Quotes about Songs To Educate – Talking Hands Talking Feet Excerpts from Endorsement, Assessments and Feedback forms Amy Summa – Arts Education Coordinator – head of Arts at Santa Fe Public Schools “Talking Hands Talking Feet has been working with hundreds of children in Santa Fe Public Schools. I have worked directly with Paul and Melanie Zeir and have witnessed many of the Talking Hands Talking Feet performances; they are a perfect integration of art, physical activity and academics. The children are always very enthusiastic, having enjoyed and learned so much from the program. The teachers appreciate how their curriculum requirements are covered in this delightful way.” Molly Maze – 2nd grade teacher at Agua Fria Elementary School “I also think the concepts we studies in the Human Body were greatly advanced. I saw my whole class understanding how the digestive system works. They were using the vocabulary and able to verbalize the process” New Mexico Arts Panel Review/National Endowment for the Arts “This program is on the cutting edge in education and should be a model for the country!” Teacher Deborah Luke-Skol "This work reminds me of the life I need to keep alive in my teaching every day." Todd Hansen – music teacher at E. J. Martinez Elementary School “I saw students engaged in a meaningful program using their voices, minds and bodies. They also had “buy in” with creating movements to music. I saw students who were shy, participating. I also saw students who tend to be distracted easily and/or with discipline problems working hard and enjoying themselves.” Parent – Jonathan Baker “What an incredible aphrodisiac and catalyst for young minds and minds that would wish to be young. You are creating an ecology and thus the ability for them to discover themselves.” Barbara Sarbin, Educational Program Director “At Something Good in the World, we use the Talking Hands Talking Feet CDs and songs and many of the dances on a daily basis! Our method of education is hands-on, experiential, and whole body oriented, engaging all of the senses. Whenever we need a song or dance to supplement a lesson, or illustrate an idea, we turn to THTF. There is no way to describe what our educational programs would be like without these. I suppose: quiet and still!” From teachers: In what ways did this program benefit the children in relation to your curriculum? “The THTF curriculum by far surpasses the basics needed to be covered by our standards. There were many added bonuses but my favorite is the movement component and thoughtful songs.” What worked well? “Seeing the 3 systems covered in a unique fashion that sparked genuine interest. For example, my students generated some great questions upon seeing the other class performing the circulatory system about the valves and function of them. It is a great springboard!” “There was a joy and enthusiasm that shone throughout! They didn’t take it for granted and really gave it their best.” Quotes about Songs To Educate – Talking Hands Talking Feet Abbie Cassias– teacher with 15 years experience “What I liked about Paul and Melanie’s program is that it is very easy to use, it is tied to the standards and I noticed that the kids really like it. It was fabulous, for me it was the highlight of the school year. I highly recommend it, it is one the most enriching things that an educator can do for their students, it is something that they will really remember, and love and it’s kind of that back door to many of the things we want them to learn.” Jennifer Medeiros – teacher with 20 years experience “In order to make it professional we then called upon Paul and Melanie (Talking Hands Talking Feet) to help us with our program.” Aric M. Wheeler (parent) ”My son learned more about the human body in 1st grade, than I learned in a whole 8th grade semester of Health. This is a wonderful program that I would love to see in every school! The actual performance was incredible!” George Mazich - Music Teacher Plymouth Educational Center (public charter school) Detroit, MI “Thank you for sharing your materials on your website. I would say our Constitution Day commemoration was very successful. Thanks again for sharing your talents!” Parents Casey and Cato “Not only is there a dramatic increase in her social interaction but her learning development as well. Having music as a way for children to learn everyday subjects is such a clever way for them to remember. Annalise sings her songs throughout the week about the days of the week, and counting on her hands to five. Thank you so much for doing what you do for the kids.” Question to teachers: In what ways did the “Home Planet Earth” music program with Talking Hands Talking Feet benefit the children in relation to your curriculum? “They got to act out the water cycle. Ecology- studying the earth and learning to care for it are also very important. I think the children “got it” that they can “go green” in simple ways. The topic surrounds us and the kids are attuned to it more than we realize – they want to protect the animals especially.” – Nadine Waldeck “Reinforcement of curriculum: water cycle, geography, other countries & cultures, awareness of earth integrated with music & art.” – Barbara McDonald “Water cycle, new geography, countries of the world. Kids liked listening to the music in class, making flags & they loved the animal headbands.” -Kathleen Nakamura Quotes about Songs To Educate – Talking Hands Talking Feet Excerpts from Endorsement, Assessments and Feedback forms Parent- “I appreciate that the performances are about learning. My son also performed in the “Human Body School” and I am amazed at how much he learned about the subject he was performing. This is an excellent teaching tool for boys!” From a student: “Melani y Paul los quiero como amigos.” Translation: “I love Melanie and Paul like friends.” Teacher Jennifer Bond “Great job! We are going to create a book and illustrate each of the phrases in the song!” Parent - Jessica Wapner “I have been meaning to write to you for a while now, because I want to send you a huge THANK YOU for the amazing work you do with Talking Hands Talking Feet. My son, Lukas, just turned two, and it's like he has been growing up on your music. This is invaluable to me. To know that he is listening and loving this music that is natural to his little but growing design, and that comes from such a pure motive ... I cannot be more grateful.” "Did you know that there's a song for almost anything?" (teacher) Katie Sward asked, smiling. The Sasser Family “This program seemed to bring to life a sense of appreciation, togetherness and thankfulness that we feel young people can benefit from.”