COVID-19 United States Project #48356

Arts as our bridge to Equity during COVID-19

by Story Tapestries Inc.

Project Report | Apr 16, 2024
Free clock hours for early childhood educators

By Jamie Cowan | Early Childhood Program Director

Young children in Montgomery County, Maryland (MC) continue to struggle with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those impacted the most are those who were already experiencing economic hardship, and many of those children were already behind their peers in learning how to read and write. Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) reports 46% of 10,577 kindergarteners in Montgomery County, Maryland (MC) met readiness standards (2021-22), a drop of 7 percentage points since 2019-20, with significant gaps for English Language Learners (ELL) and those with identified disabilities (SPED) - 25% and 13% of the population respectively.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings increase and unemployment decreases as educational attainment rises. Grouping workers by education level shows that those with more education have higher earnings and lower rates of unemployment than those with less education. Story Tapestries (ST) is uniquely positioned to respond to these issues through its program, Write Your Story.

Write Your Story (WYS - pronounced “wise) provides a unique set of resources and services that boost learning while also increasing an important ingredient in our daily lives - JOY! In addition to directly supporting young children in interactive educational experiences, WYS takes a systemic approach and works to build the capacity and positive mental health of adults who support the development of young children. Sherry* earned enough MSDE clock hours through the WYS program to become a Lead Teacher at the early childhood education center she works at, giving her a well-deserved raise AND boosting her effectiveness in creating an inclusive classroom of engaged students. An arts integrated learning approach supports literacy, numeracy, motor and social emotional skills development for all learners.

Thanks to supporters like you, this spring Story Tapestries is excited to offer a series of three FREE professional development workshops that earn participants Maryland State Department of Education clock hours. One will be available as a webinar, and two will be held in-person in different locations so you can choose that option(s) that work best for you!

The Story’s the Thing: A Multipurpose Tool for Social Emotional Learning, Literacy, and Engagement - taught by Sarah Brady

When: Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 6 PM - 9 PM EDT

Where: Zoom (link sent after registration)

Register here:https://bit.ly/3vTD7qV

For who: Any early childhood educator in Maryland

What: Stories have the ability to provide concurrent opportunities for social-emotional, character, and standards-based learning. But with the full schedule that teachers carry, who has time to find and prepare stories for the classroom? Join us for this professional development session in which we’ll both explore ways to find stories that fit our classrooms, content areas, students, and lives and work through strategies to bring these stories to students in meaningful ways. Together we’ll create personal inventories unique to you and your class needs; brainstorm subjects of interest and their associated genres; and select stories that fit your instructional strategies. We’ll also have fun exploring the characters in the stories you choose and utilizing audience participation strategies that you can bring back to your classroom to plan active engagement lessons.

Goal: When this course is completed, participants will have engaged in a dynamic arts-integration setting focusing on tools and techniques to support the use of storytelling skills in the classroom for both social emotional and content learning, then considered the encounters to make plans for incorporating their expertise in their early childhood learning settings. Also, participants will have engaged in a dynamic arts-integration setting focusing on tools and techniques to support the use of storytelling skills in the classroom for both social emotional and content learning, then considered the encounters to make plans for incorporating their expertise in their early childhood learning settings.

Along with each webinar, participants will receive:

all ancillary materials such as recordings
a certificate of participation
3 MSDE Clock Hours!

Arts plus SEL = Strong Classroom Management- taught by Arianna Ross

Option 1 -

When: Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 9 AM - 12 PM EDT

Where: 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852

Register here:https://bit.ly/3U8hpIZ

Option 2 -

When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | 6 PM - 9 PM EDT

Where: Frederick Mental Health Association, 226 South Jefferson Street, Frederick MD 21701

Register here:https://bit.ly/3xmVipk

For Who: Any Early Childhood Educator in Maryland

What: Jump-start your creative mind and body. Intentionally use music, theatre, visual art and dance to help guide and manage your energy-filled, creative students. People learn with their ears, bodies, eyes, and through story. This workshop consists of strategies that deliver concepts and skills through the four modalities: Kinesthetic, Auditory, Visual, and Linguistic. The goal is to create an environment from the beginning that develops the child’s ability to have self control and awareness that enables them to learn. Everyone has a different set of techniques designed to increase social emotional development and to create a dynamic classroom environment. Using the arts in your classroom is a valid and reliable set of tools. The arts can both enhance and motivate children’s understanding of themselves, build self-confidence, develop self-respect and create positive group dynamics. It sets the stage by enabling children to grow and learn. Everyone will walk away from this workshop with stories to tell, ideas and techniques to share with fellow teachers and staff.

If you or anyone you know works with young children, please spread the word about these free professional development opportunities!

Links:

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Dec 21, 2023
The World of Artistry & Education

By Arianna Ross | CEO

There are individuals whose passion shines brightly, leaving a lasting impact on both young minds and the world at large. Praneetha Akula, a talented teaching artist, is one such luminary whose work at Story Tapestries is not only inspiring but also enriching the lives of students and communities. Join us as we delve into the world of Praneetha, her journey, and the magic she brings through her art.

A Dance with Destiny

Praneetha Akula’s journey into the world of dance began at the tender age of three. Guided by her late mother, she embarked on a remarkable path of learning and mastery. Starting with Indian folk dance, Praneetha soon transitioned into the intricate realm of Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam. This dance form, one of the oldest from South India, became her canvas for self-expression and storytelling.

Her devotion to art led her to study under renowned gurus, honing her skills and deepening her understanding of the art form. Notably, Praneetha’s commitment to dance has lasted for over four decades, a testament to her enduring love and dedication.

A Fusion of Education and Artistry

Praneetha’s journey didn’t stop at mastering dance; it extended into the realm of education. She spent 11 years as a classroom teacher, specializing in English as a second language and Spanish. Her experience as an educator laid the foundation for her unique approach as a teaching artist.

One of the remarkable facets of Praneetha’s work is her ability to bridge the worlds of academia and art seamlessly. Drawing from her classroom experience, she skillfully incorporates math and language concepts into her dance lessons. Through rhythmic counting and syllables, she not only teaches dance but also enhances language and mathematical readiness in her students.

Connecting Culture and Community

Praneetha’s impact extends beyond the classroom. In an increasingly interconnected world, her work highlights the importance of cultural exchange and understanding. Through Bharatanatyam, she shares the rich tapestry of Indian culture with students, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.

Her cultural inclusion approach doesn’t just cater to those of South Asian descent but engages learners from diverse backgrounds. By embracing the global perspective and promoting cultural diversity, Praneetha encourages students to appreciate the beauty of different traditions.

Dance as a Tool for Mental Health

Praneetha’s classes are not just about physical movement; they are about nurturing the mind and soul. Her approach to dance emphasizes the importance of rhythm, joy, and emotional well-being. Through rhythmic patterns and interactive exercises, she helps students connect with their bodies and emotions, providing a powerful outlet for self-expression.

Additionally, she incorporates elements of mental health and emotional well-being into her dance classes. Teaching individuals techniques to manage emotions, she equips them with valuable tools for life beyond the dance floor.

A Lifelong Journey

Praneetha firmly believes that dance is not just a fleeting hobby; it’s a lifelong journey. Her own experiences reflect the enduring benefits of staying true to one’s discipline. Dance, she attests, helps maintain physical health, emotional balance, and mental agility as one age.

Her advice to aspiring artists and dancers is simple yet profound: stay true to your craft, embrace the joy it brings, and never give up, no matter where life takes you. Praneetha’s own journey, from student to teacher, dancer to teaching artist, serves as a testament to the ever-evolving path of artistry.

Into The Future

Praneetha is not one to rest on her laurels. She continues to explore new horizons in dance and teaching. She recently performed at the World Culture Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a testament to her passion for sharing culture through dance. As are we, Praneetha is excited about upcoming projects with Story Tapestries, where she aims to use her classroom teaching experiences to enhance her dance lessons! By incorporating visuals and manipulatives, she hopes to provide students with a more immersive and engaging learning experience.

Praneetha Akula’s journey from a young dancer to a seasoned teaching artist is a testament to the enduring power of art and culture. Through her dedication to dance, commitment to education, and cultural inclusivity, she weaves stories that transcend borders and connect communities. Her work is a vibrant tapestry of art, education, and cultural enrichment, and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of her artistry in the years to come.

Links:

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Aug 25, 2023
Title: Back to School: What's in a name

By Jessica Wallach | Interim Marketing and Communications Manager

Bomani Armah

Hip-Hop artist Bomani Armah teaches children to write rap about their name and where their name's come from as a way of ensuring equity and understanding in the classroom. I recently interviewed Bomani Armah and below is an excerpt from our fabulous conversation.

“My number one job as a rapper is to brag about myself and the community behind me.” -Bomani Armah

My residencies start with the art. I try to blow kids’ minds away with my opening song and just kind of land from another planet. Then I take you whatever direction I want from there. I try not to get off to a slow start. I really try to hit ’em with a haymaker right off the bat.

My opening song with third graders and up is a song called My Name Is.

Check it out: https://youtu.be/HvFCL3aXJEk

It’s basically a Ragga style hip-hop beat where I explain to them where my name comes from and why I chose it. Before the song begins, I explain that my number one job as a rapper is to brag about myself and the community behind me. I love landing like that. I do the same thing with the younger audience with my song called Mic Check.

Check it out: https://youtu.be/syQj5tbnBSc

I like to start with a bang and blow their mind. Then I show them how to get to where I was. A part of the impetus for me being a teaching artist, is making sure the stories in my community are being told in a practical sense.

With my initial song, My Name Is, I give students more background on where I came from. I would do these workshops in Laurel, Maryland, working with third and fourth graders. It would be a room full of beautiful brown skin students with all different accents.

At the beginning of my workshops I would ask everyone their name. They said their names were like John, Mark, and Mary, and Sam. Then one kid would say, my name is Olu Femi. I’d be like, “Oh, Olu, that means God does something. I’m a little familiar with Yuroba and I know Olu means God does something. What’s the other half of it mean?”

They would tell me what it means and I would respond, “oh, that’s really cool. I gave my son a Yoruba name.” Then John would come back around and say, “Oh, well my name is Ademola.” And Mary would be like, “Oh, well, my name is Enkeechi.” Then it would come back around and they would all give me their African name. I realized all they needed was a moment where someone would say, “What is your culture, where you’re really from?”

So my art is accessible in that sense, because it’s completely about recognizing my African-ness and me being here in Maryland.

My opening song is about me saying this is who I am. This is where I come from. And I am proud of that and you should be too. My initial classes invite the young people to share their answers to questions like: Who is your family? What did they name you? What is your history and your heritage?

Students don’t have to relate to the African-ness of my message to relate to the, “oh, well, let me be proud of my heritage and let me let the world know who I am.”

We are getting ready to celebrate this work at our annual event, Elevate Voices - Celebrate Community and we’d love for you to join us! This event focuses on the heart of Story Tapestries’ mission, increasing access to services that matter - the arts, mental health supports, learning tools, and workforce development initiatives.

Click to register for FREE now: https://bit.ly/STElevateCelebrate2023Tickets

Enjoy professional and youth performances, including Veronneau Jazz, and the presentation of Community Voices Awards. You’ll even have a chance to brighten someone’s day by creating your own Love Notes that will go to children and seniors who are struggling and feeling isolated.

Elevate Voices - Celebrate Community

Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Ratner Museum in Bethesda, MD

Not local but still want to support our Supply Drive? You can:

Donate an unused gift card or purchase a gift card
Buy supplies from our Amazon Wish List

Or drop off supplies at our office

Bomani with students

Art and Learning Kits

Links:

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