Learning about greetings, first impressions and social interaction through role play and music at PS186 X

In the last two weeks students at PS186X have been making some wonderful progress. Class warmups, lead by Music Therapist Aaron Shragge begin with collectively taking three deep breathes while stretching. Then the class will transition to rhythmic call and response and or the presentation of an original song "Stand Tall" led by Aaron Shragge. This has then been the starting point to make the connection between how music and conversations can be very similar in that they can have three parts: Introduction (Greetings), Development (Getting to know each other), Conclusion (Saying Goodbye). Aaron has then often played an example of this kind of structure on the FlugelHorn with three clear sections. Next Marie Clapot will lead the class in creating a conversation script that follows this three part structure, then role play the conversation.

After students get familiar with the structure they have then been able to make up spontaneous conversation in context of this form. Some of the best role plays have included: a student meeting a Principal, a bodyguard being interviewed for a job with both Justin Bieber and President Obama as well as several role play in which a students would meet the first lady Michelle Obama. The role play allowed for students to express themselves in a creative format as well as learn about essential social skills of how to make a good first impression, communicate in a conversation and the difference between formal and informal meetings. 

written by Aaron Shragge, www.aaronshragge.com