Island City Rams recently enjoyed an Artist-in-Residence program at their school that focused on theater techniques to foster social-emotional learning. During the week-long program, classes met several times with theater artist Rikki Jo Hickey. Activities like games and dancing included a specific emphasis on self-control.
According to Ellen Lester, District Library Media and TAG (Talented and Gifted) Specialist, the program tied in with Island City’s school-wide focus on Self Control during the month. Students explored the trait in counseling lessons, during class time, and during their weekly house meetings. “The goal is for students to be introduced to something new like theater/acting and cement their learning about self-control,” Lester said.
The Artist-in-Residence program was made possible through the Artists in Rural Schools Program at Art Center East (La Grande) with the support of an Oregon Arts Commission Arts Learning grant. It provides three weeks of funding, so the program will also occur at Central and Greenwood elementary schools.
Lester said La Grande School District is thankful to Moira Madden, Outreach Director at Arts Center East, for providing this opportunity. “This is the first time in a few years that we have had the opportunity to welcome a visiting artist into our schools. In years past, we had artists focusing on fiddle playing, watercolor, puppetry, drumming, and more.”
