Proposal for Project

Proposal for Project: Using ESL Methods in the Kindermusik Curriculum

1. Background Information

1.1 Submitted by: Jennifer Blackburn Miller – June 11, 2007

1.2 Contact Information:

814-574-5344 [email protected]

1.3 Reason for Proposal:

I want to become a Kindermusik Educator in the future. Currently I am working on a Master’s degree in Teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). I believe music is a great way to teach ESL. Some of my research for my degree is based on this belief. Because of my interest in combining music and ESL, I approached Lorilei Beer with the idea of integrating ESL methods into the Kindermusik curriculum. She suggested I write a proposal outlining my thoughts and plan.

2. Description of Proposed Project

2.1 Overview:

The project would involve myself (and hopefully a few others) integrating ESL concepts and techniques into the existing Kindermusik curriculum, thereby expanding it and making it appropriate for English Language Learners (ELL’s). The preschool age group is my main focus, as they are getting ready to enter the American school system. However, “Our Time” and possibly “Young Child” curricula could also be used.

2.2 Main Goal:

To provide an inclusive environment for ELL’s that stimulates their growth and development in the following areas:

 Language Proficiency (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing)  Social Interaction  Cultural Knowledge  Musical Knowledge and Skills  Appreciation of Diversity/”Multicultural Literacy”  Gross and Fine Motor Skills 2.3 Outline of Plan:

 Disect the Kindermusik curriculum into small units.  Take what is already included and adjust it to better suit the needs of ELL’s. (Example: “The Duke of York” could be a type of Total Physical Response (TPR), which would help international children learn the concepts of marching, up, down, and halfway between.)  A key component of the proposed ESL curriculum would be developing “Multicultural Literacy” through authentic multicultural games, music, and stories.  Another important aspect is to help international children begin to develop awareness of the various manners, customs, and cultural protocols that may differ from their home country (to help prepare them for school, etc.).  Some new units may be added to the Kindermusik curriculum to help ELL’s become familiar with American culture in the form of: food, games, holidays, geography, music genres, and folklore.  Importance will be given to the development of appropriate relational interactions with American peers, adults, and teachers. These, as well as other valuable “life skills,” will be included in the curriculum (through modeling, role-playing, etc.).

2.4 Sources of Knowledge:

 My experiences in working with international people of all ages, through ESL tutoring jobs and volunteer work.  My courses, textbooks, and professors from my degree program.  My Kindermusik training materials.  The Penn State general and education libraries.  Books from my personal ESL and Early Childhood collection.  Multimedia and internet resources.

2.5 Time Frame:

Summer 2007 – From early July until mid-August I can devote approximately 20 hours/week to research and the development of this curriculum.

Academic Year 2007-08 – My classes at Penn State start on August 27th. I will be able to devote approximately 10 hours/week to curriculum development during the Fall and Spring semesters (with the exception of the winter break, during which I may have extra time).

Summer 2008 – If the project is still being developed at this point, I should have a decent amount of time to devote to it (20-30 hours/week). I may also do the Kindermusik training at this time.

My graduation from Penn State will likely be in August or December, 2008. Deadlines for segments of the Kindermusik ESL curriculum can be determined by Kindermusik headquarters and/or myself.

3. Final Thoughts

3.1 Conclusion:

I truly believe that the timing for Kindermusik to develop an ESL curriculum could not be better, considering the great diversity of peoples in the United States today. The ability to be able to communicate and relate to people in English and through American cultural protocol is of great importance.

I hope Kindermusik will consider these things as they review this proposal. I am always open to input and suggestions. I am a flexible, people-oriented person, who is easy to interact with.

I have been interacting with and helping international people on a regular basis since the year 2000. My minor in International Studies includes three semesters of Mandarin Chinese. I have traveled all over the world, and enjoy international peoples and cultures very much. Attached you will find my resume, as well as a list of my musical qualifications.