“MAAD-music, art, drama, dance in the classroom”

The "Hammurabi Code" lesson was taught in the 5th grade through song, dance and dramatization. In this class there are children with special educational needs and children from disadvantaged social groups (gypsy ethnicity).

The first part is a simple warm-up and attraction  exercise - "Crazy claps".

The second is the transmission of knowledge through a song. Students were trained in a whole new, fun and energetic situation. The children first listened to the text of the song, translated it with the English teacher present in the class, then repeated this text as they taught a choreography. At the moment of the dance, the text scrolled over the screen in front of them. The activity  attracted the  less communicative students who have had an extra chance of expressing themselves through song and dance. Students with special educational needs were extremely receptive because this method greatly stimulates the affective, emotional side. It took a lot less time than usual for students to assimilate new knowledge, have not lost their patience, and have kept their focus throughout the class.

The dramatization of the last part of the lesson aimed to fix the knowledge. Students repeated for 10 minutes a short role that resumes the previous knowledge. This exercise has demonstrated how easily this knowledge has been assimilated by students who usually have difficulties in learning and concentration. This dramatization has also proven to be a great way to practice communication and social skills.

The entire activity lasted 2 hours, the English class and the History one. Through a relatively simple activity, both the English language skills and  new  History knowledge were acquired. Music has helped children  to understand the lesson better. It has had a strong positive impact on self-esteem and the level of social interaction.

Source:

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA song by Mr. Nicky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdblRch6m3g