The Underground Railroad and Intro to musicals

Feb.15-19

February is Black History Month, so we spent some time this week learning about the Underground railroad. We listened, sang, read and discussed lyrics to two different songs connected to Harriet Tubman and the Underground railroad. "Wade in the Water" and "Follow the Drinking Gourd." The kids had some great and meaningful discussions about the words and experienced singing the songs. 

We also had a field trip this week! Friday we went to see a musical about math put on by the Eau Claire Children's Theater at the Mabel Tainter. Thursday we talked about plays and musicals and what the differences are, as well as theater etiquette. The students had a great time and we had a great conversation about the story elements we saw in the musical, talking about setting, characters, problems and solutions. 

We're trying to get the students excited to write their own musical. The seem a little hesitant, so maybe we'll have to trick them a little!