KID SmART: Observable Increases in Confidence and Leadership Skills … and She Can Act!

KID smART’s focus is arts integration, teaching the arts and teaching other core curriculum through the arts. The young scholar’s progress described below was manifest first in a second grade science class at Langston Hughes Academy, where KID smART resident theater artist Aminisha Ferdinand co-taught with Lilly Ducat, classroom teacher.

In first grade, Nyla was a quiet student, the last to volunteer for any activities and often asked to repeat herself because she spoke so softly. This year, in her second year of engaging in learning through the theater arts, Nyla has been the leader in her small group work in science class and has created strong characters onstage. She has expressed her science learnings with a confident voice. On stage, she has assumed the roles of the parts of a plant, the sun, prey and predator and more.

What is even more impressive, the growth manifest in the arts integrated classroom has been evident to teachers and adults in other areas. At the end of the school year, teachers gave accolades to students they’ve seen progress throughout the year. Mr. Hassan, the PE teacher, acknowledged Nyla, recognizing her transformation and growth in confidence in his class. When her mom came to pick her up, Aminisha spoke with her about the new strength she’s seen in Nyla this year. Her mom echoed the sentiment that she has developed into a strong young lady.