Introduction to the Project

Hello, my name is Rachael Olson and I am a Senior at Brigham Young University (BYU) studying Elementary Education and have received the privilege of being an Arts Bridge Scholar in Drama this semester. The Arts Bridge Program through the BYU Arts Partnership is about pairing a future educator who has background in ones of the arts (Music, Drama, Dance or Visual Art) with a full-time elementary school teacher to integrate the arts in a greater measure in the teacher's classroom. At the same time, the future educator learns from the example, experience and methodology of a great teacher in creating a happy and successful classroom. 

I was paired up with Mrs. Sydney Smith, a 3rd grade teacher in Apple Valley Elementary in Santaquin, Utah. This blog will be me documenting my experiences as I work with Mrs. Smith and her class and help them learn about the world around them through the medium of drama. 

One of my goals as an undergraduate student is that I want to share ideas about possible ways to integrate drama with Mrs. Smith. I hope that it can be something that truly helps her students learn the course material while exploring creativity through drama. In addition, I am excited to learn from the classroom management strategies she uses to set her class expectations and help her students get the most of each school day. Lastly, I want to learn how to use a variety of teaching activities to encourage the students' engagement and learning at school. For example, having children research on the computer one hour, discussing a subject in small groups the next, and later reading silently as an individual. I believe a healthy mix of different learning styles at school will benefit all students. 

I am very excited to work with drama mentors and Mrs. Smith to better prepare to integrate the arts in my own classroom one day! Let's open the curtain and begin!