Constitution Lesson Mandate in all Public Schools

For IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Talking Hands Talking Feet announces “We The People” A Free Constitution Day Activity Kit

The Department of Education now requires that all public school teachers engage children in a Constitution Day lesson on September 17th. As teachers search for appropriate lesson plans, Paul and Melanie Zeir are determined to put an end to boring civil lessons with their popular “We the People” program, a free constitution day activity kit.

The Zeirs, creators of Talking Hands Talking Feet, are well known for creating curriculum-based songs with movement appropriate for the classroom setting. In 2007, the couple created the “We the People” song for 4th/5th graders in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was an instant hit - not only for the students but the teachers as well.

Students learned that “We the People” referred to wealthy, white, male landowners back in 1787 when the constitution was written. This brought up a rich discussion of who ‘We the People’ really are and our rights as Americans. The students themselves brainstormed ideas and created much of the lyrics in the song. Then with great enthusiasm, movements were integrated to further enrich the engagement.

According to Melanie Zeir, “The students involved become well acquainted with the preamble from this process. This was a very moving experience for all. The children really thought through what they value and how they want to see those values shared by others in the world – this summoned respect and awe in the audience.”

Even though it is well documented that children learn through many different learning styles and that children increase their test scores through kinesthetic learning experiences, there is a tragic lack of these types of activities available to children.

“When content is transmitted through song and movement it is much easier to remember. Making learning fun increases the children’s interest and thereby their capacity to learn,” says Paul Zeir, the composer of Talking Hands Talking Feet music.

Jennifer Medeiros, elementary school teacher adds, “When I ask children what they most remember in previous school years, they never say the homework or the written work, they always say the performances, productions, Puppet Theater…and we use the Talking Hands Talking Feet Curriculum Based Performing Arts Program because we want a professional result.”

“We have seen tremendous enthusiasm in children working with this approach. They have a chance to make it their own, to be it, to live it rather than to just talk about it separate from themselves. Children want to engage in life and have a chance to put their own creativity in the process. What we are doing is giving them confidence to create, express and to learn in a deep and thorough way,” says Melanie Zeir.

Talking Hands Talking Feet provides a rich and varied range of inspired education children’s songs with accompanying movements and content for teachers and parents. For more information, call 505-982-2120 or check out www.TalkingHandsTalkingFeet.com/constitution-activity

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Contact Information

Melanie Zeir

Co-Founder

Talking Hands Talking Feet

Contact via E-mail