Helping...finally!

Last week Mr. Trapp FINALLY talked to Ms. Donk about the situation Melissa and I were in. She said she was just about to shift gears with the class, so we would be more helpful. Although she said this, I was still a bit skeptical. Today I went in to assist them and found that she kept true to her word. I was of more assistance today than ever before. I demonstrated exercises, gave individual assistance, and kept the kids quiet while Ms. Donk was teaching. If she continues to keep up with this lesson plan, I see myself being loads of assistance.

Progress on Process

Today I met with Mr. Trapp once again to try and finalize the topic of my research paper. The "science of process" wasn't exactly working out because of a lack of available research. Instead, I will observe the "anatomy of process." I will study the processes of multiple performers (in dance as well as other areas) and observe their approaches to process. Hopefully, this paper will still be somewhat of a handbook for myself and others like me, who have issues with sticking with something once they start.

Of no assistance...

When I went in to assist the 6th graders today, I knew I was behind on their choreography.  What I didn't know was that they had finished the piece, and were already working on perfecting it. During the class I wasn't of much assistance, because I don't know the choreography.  Instead of them looking at me when they forget a step or need help with it, I have to look at them to see what's coming next.  When I got back to class I asked Melissa how she was feeling about it.  It turns out that she feels the same way.  We both feel like we're wasting our time as well as the teacher's, which isn't good because we want to be there and actually be of assistance.  We talked to Mr. Trapp about it, but he doesn't understand.  His response was "so just learn the choreography, just go to her and get her to teach it to you."  That seems to be the quick fix, but it really isn't.  The actual quick fix would be for us to visit them more often, which just isn't possible.  We're stuck assisting a class that we can't assist for another 4 or 5 weeks, until she gets a new batch.  Hopefully we'll be able to keep up with them.