During the first week of May, all 4th and 5th-grade students at Westmore Elementary enjoyed an incredibly unique experience as they participated in a Maypole activity. “Maypole dancing” is a centuries-old tradition typically associated with May Day and the celebration of spring.
Students held colored ribbons, and the dance created a multi-colored pattern that crept steadily down the pole. While the music played, the students then reversed their steps to undo the ribbons. The activity combined PE/Music classes with Westmore music teacher Mr. Prosek and physical education Mr. Allen. The two teachers built the Maypole and planned their combined content area around the activity. Students practiced locomotor and non-locomotor movement, dancing, singing, literacy, learning the history of May Day, mixed-meter music, and basic directional skills such as right-left and clockwise-counter-clockwise.
“What we enjoyed the most was how teamwork-based this activity is,” said Mr. Jacob Prosek. “Every student has to follow directions and work as a team for it to be a success. Every student’s contribution is so important. What a wonderful lesson.”
Thank you, Mr. Allen and Mr. Prosek, for your collaboration and creativity on behalf of our students. And way to go, Wildcats!