FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Math In Your Feet?
Math in Your Feet is a unique integration of math concepts and dance skills that maintains the integrity of both disciplines. As a model for integrated learning, the artist also collaborates with classroom teachers to help them use this experience as a touchstone for their students' future learning.
"Integration is different from correlation. Instead of placing different subjects side by side to compare and contrast them, integration uses the resources of two or more disciplines in ways that are mutually reinforcing, often demonstrating an underlying unity." National Standards for Dance Education, pg. 12
How does Math in Your Feet work?
Mathematical concepts become clear through real-world experiences. Children undestand math in new ways when they use their bodies and minds in new ways. Real-world experiences designed for learning and based on the arts motivate students to actively engage in their own learning process while improving critical thinking skills.
The program takes what students know and puts it in a new context. It connects previously unrelated ideas together, directing students to the crossroads where disciplines meet and creating an environment for relevancy.
Students learn to think mathematically while creating dance patterns and facing the challenges of problem solving and the creative process. During this process, they learn to better communicate what they're thinking and doing and also become more able to connect math to their everyday lives.
How do I know my students are really learning math?
Math in Your Feet puts discrete math concepts like angles, degrees, center, zero, origin, symmetry, sequence, and directions directly into students' feet and bodies. All activities meet standards required by the National Council for the Teachers of Mathematics and National Standards for Dance Education.
Students are provided with their own workbooks which are used in both the artist's sessions and in the classroom. The workbooks include written math extension activities which strengthen and extend the math concepts introduced during daily dance activities. Also, daily journal prompts encourage students to reflect on their learning.
The Math in Your Feet curriculum has been created in collaboration with a math education specialist, is rigorously based on NCTM standards, and is linked to specific state math standards for fourth and fifth grade. Using the workbook guarantees that the standards have been adequately covered and that the students have had enough time to reflect on their learning process.
What is the teacher's role?
Math in Your Feet is a collaborative effort between classroom teachers and the artist. The classroom teacher is an integral part of this program's success and its impact on their students. Teachers actively observe all dance activities and assist where needed, and make sure workbook assignments have been properly introduced and completed.
How can I bring Math in Your Feet to my school?
If you are within the state of Indiana, contact Young Audiences of Indiana for booking information. Otherwise, please contact Malke Rosenfeld directly.