EdSpark, Hope at Hand & UNF: Using Art, Poetry and Yoga to Change Student Behavior at John E. Ford...

Shifting the Culture

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Shifting the Culture: Using Art, Poetry and Yoga to Change Student Behavior from Reactive to Proactive at John E. Ford K-8 is unique program that blends poetry, art and yoga movements to create a serene educational environment. The purpose of this project is to improve the behavior and academic achievement of students who attend John E. Ford K-8 School. Instead of the reactive behavior patterns that permeate the school culture, students will internalize strategies that will cause them to think and reflect on their actions thus creating a peaceful learning environment. Shifting the Culture is a collaboration among: 1) John E. Ford K-8 Montessori School, a Duval County Public School; 2) Hope at Hand, Inc. a local nonprofit; and, 3) the Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida. We want to bring together our respective strengths and expertise to make a positive change in the school culture and student attitudes that currently limit academic success. Although art, poetry, and guidance counseling have been traditional components of the school day, there is little evidence that yoga has been used in more than a few scattered school settings. The innovative aspect of this project is that these various components, drawn from separate and independent disciplines, will be carefully integrated and merged into an entirely novel and unique package with a very specific goal—to convert a school that is currently characterized by disrupted, reactive patterns of student behavior into a school that is portrayed by a peaceful learning environment where students have internalized the benefits of thinking before acting and taking personal responsibility for their actions. This positive learning environment must be created so that student achievement can improve. Shifting the Culture will involve the entire faculty, staff and student body. Yoga lessons will complement the art and poetry strategies already in use by Hope at Hand as both are known to improve awareness of self and others, encourage self-esteem, counteract daily stress, improve concentration, and conscience choices. Poetry lessons will reinforce text analysis, interpretation, writing, editing, provide opportunities to practice expressive communication, improve interpersonal relationships, and produce a concrete product. The Shifting the Culture team is strong. In addition to Hope at Hand Executive Director, Steffani Fletcher and John E. Ford Principal, Paula Renfro, two UNF professors will provide able and relevant experience and expertise to the project: Dr. Natalie Indelicato, Visiting Assistant Professor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Dr. Nile Stanley, Associate Professor of Childhood Education and Literacy. The team will also include area Yoga professionals and enthusiasts. The Shifting the Culture team has the vision, the experience and the dedication to change the lives of 700 inner city students attending John E. Ford K-8 School.