Practicing Decision-Making Through Rhythm
One feature of Quaker life that plays out in the day-to-day learning of FCS, is how students learn to make decisions. As explained by the American Friends Service Committee, “in making decisions Friends do not simply vote to determine the majority view, but rather they seek unity about the wisest course of action.” This month, Lower School music teacher Soo Young Chrisfield found a way to have students explore rhythm and decision making at the same time.
Rhythm is central to learning music and 3rd and 4th graders got out of their seats and into the beats last week. In small groups, students created 8 beat rhythmic patterns, which were performed with movement and instruments. “In the process, they learned to listen to every student's ideas and work together to come to an agreement around what approach would work best for the group,” Soo Young explained.
Students shared different ways they made decisions about how to compose their rhythm. One group split up the responsibilities. Another started by deciding on what they didn't like and then selecting what they did like. One student said, "We just didn't fight about it." The groups worked smoothly together to create and perform a fun, original work.
Located in College Park, MD, Friends Community School is a progressive Quaker K-8 day school, founded on the belief that every child is a valued member of our community. We offer a challenging curriculum imbued with strong values of equality, integrity, community, environmental stewardship, simplicity and peaceful conflict resolution, rooted in our Quaker heritage.
Friends Community School
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100
