Newport News, VA- Area students learned how reading and writing are the keys to success through dance, theater and music composition. Young Audiences Arts for Learning Virginia (YAV) partnered with Newport News Public Schools’ extended learning program, WE LEAP, to bring interactive, arts-infused education opportunities to students through their Spectacular Saturdays programs.
This unique weekend opportunity allowed students at Jenkins, Sedgefield and Newsome Park Elementary Schools to come in for free on select Saturdays in April and May for specialized programming. Each day opened with an arts performance provided by a YAV Performing Artist or Ensemble. Then, at varying points during the day, students were ushered into classrooms where they experienced an Arts for Learning residency provided by a YAV Teaching Artist.
“Spectacular Saturdays connected students with learning activities that guaranteed each student learned in a hands-on, spectacular environment,” says Veronica Hurd,WE LEAP Administrator. “WE LEAP Spectacular Saturdays had something for everyone, and not only that, it exposed students to something new for them to fall in love with!” By reengaging the students through unconventional means, the hope is that our youth were ignited with a new spark of curiosity that will carry over to the normal school year and drive attendance and attentiveness in the classrooms.
Young Audiences Arts for Learning Virginia is the leading provider of high quality arts-in-education programming in Virginia. We offer an array of arts performances and workshops grounded in Virginia’s core curriculum, residencies for children of all ages, and professional development for teachers in arts-integration techniques that improve students’ literacy skills, motivation to read, and ability to learn. Young Audiences of Virginia, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit.
For more information: Visit their website or contact Kelly Nash.
