Dionne Canterbury

Virtual School is not set up in the multi-aged classroom setting due to it's nature and the children's various academic/social emotional levels. I taught two years in the 4-5 year old classroom and three years in the Kindergarten classroom.

In my role as a virtual school Montessori guide, I work to help develop a program that uses physical (and limited virtual) materials to teach math, language, art, music, practical life, sensorial, science, geography, and cultural lessons in the unique virtual setting. As the virtual setting sometimes presents certain challenges, I also work to find creative ways to keep the children engaged and motivated. I use scaffolding to meet each child at their specific academic and social/emotional level. I work ensure they develop concentration, coordination, independence, confidence, and order. I also promote community through grace and courtesy lessons, including self care, care of the environment, and care of each other. In addition to running the "classroom". I meet with parents on a bi-weekly basis to ensure parent education is provided. I also provided guidance on setting up the at-home classroom environment. It is during these meetings that I also work with parents and give them ideas they can incorporate into their child's offline work time.

As the Artistic Director of the Canzona Choir, my main goal is to give the children a solid foundation to build upon as they start their musical journey, if that is what they choose.  The children learn basic music theory through movement, dance, playing percussion instruments and of course song.  I also prepare the children to sing at least three songs at each of their concerts, one in the Winter and one in the Spring.  These concert experiences are something that takes extra group rehearsals with the full ACC choirs.  With the help of parents and my choir assistant, these concerts are something the kids, myself and the parents are very proud of by the time we finish. ACC is truly a wonderful opportunity for these children to build confidence in themselves and work towards a common goal with their fellow choristers.

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I currently teach five students. I work closely with each student and adapt teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests. I also keep close communications with parents regarding students' progress and individual needs.

Worked as a lead guide/teacher while in training for a Primary 3-6 year old classroom. Developed curriculum for students while creating an appropriate learning environment which focused on the whole child. Closely observed children to adapt and change this curriculum as needed to fit their needs. Kept detailed records of every child as well. Communicated with parents on a regular basis about their children's growth and development. Developed and implemented a virtual learning experience for the children when the pandemic hit. This included creating a google classroom with videos of lessons that I created, as well as various online resources and materials that were specifically made for in home instruction. Also, held online Zoom class with the children everyday and the parents as needed.

Taught music to children in Primary class (ages 3-6) once a week and to teach music for Elementary (1st -6th grades) once a week. I create and implement lesson plans suitable for each grade level. These lesson plans engaged each student to participate, using not only their voice, but their whole body along with instruments to help them learn many essential elements of music. I also prepare students for two concerts each year; one in the Winter and one in the Spring.

Working with the Pastor and Christian Educator closely to develop a curriculum in which the children are instructed on the essential elements of music while the focus remains primarily on God. I have directed the church Christmas musicals for the past eight years as well. The childrens' choir currently meets bi-weekly and in conjunction with puppet ministry. The Christian Educator works with the children on the puppets and I teach the music, helping each other when needed. This group is called, "Close Encounters".

As a classroom assistant, one of my responsibilities was to guide and redirect children to appropriate classroom work. In the Montessori classroom we have "freedom within limits". The children can choose their work to an extent, however they often need assistance in staying on track and staying focused. I was there to help them when needed and also to occasionally give them lessons on their work, teaching them in the areas of math, language, practical life, sensorial, and art. I also helped keep the classroom organized and in order, keeping it stocked with supplies and helping change out lessons when needed. I was often called upon to help with classroom management and to lead the children in movement and music in on the circle in the general classroom environment daily. All of these years listed were in a Primary classroom, with the exception of one year I spent as an assistant in a Lower Elementary classroom.

• Handled all administrative and business management needs for busy Arts camp with as many as 100 children in attendance each summer season.
• Kept track of allergies and dietary restrictions, verifying correct meals and snacks were given to campers.
• Supervised camper activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity.
• Provided clear instruction to activity and program participants to deliver fun and safety.
• Recruited, trained and managed team of instructors.

This year I watched many of my children's classmates become enthusiastic when learning to read a few notes on the staff and play them on the piano during music class.  I then decided to start an after-school recorder ensemble.  The recorder is a fairly simple instrument to play and it provides a great path to learning to read music on the staff.  I ended up teaching a class of seven students for eight weeks.  I used a combined curriculum of two techniques I find appropriate.  One of these curriculums, "Recorder Karate", gives the children an opportunity to earn a different colored belt each time they "pass" playing a song.  The children loved this motivational tool and did quite well.  I plan to continue this ensemble next year if possible.

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I taught Kindermusik for the 3-6 year old class at Charleston Montessori School. As a Kindermusik educator, I had class once a week and guided preschoolers and Kindergartners in expressive movement, singing, dancing, and playing of instruments. I also read to them. Kindermusik International's mission is simple; "music is the best vehicle for early childhood development and learning." I couldn't agree more. Research has shown that early, positive, age-appropriate experiences with music can have a great impact on children's learning, including language and literacy skills, social and emotional development , mathematics and pattern-recognition skills, and even the ability to plan, guide and self-regulate behavior. Music is powerful!

As a K-5 Music Teacher, I created and implemented lesson plans suitable for each grade level. These lesson plans engaged each student to participate, using not only their voice, but their whole body along with Orff and percussion instruments to help them learn many essential elements of music and music theory. I instructed students in grades 3-5 on learning the proper use and techniques of how to play the recorder all while learning to read music. I also organized and directed the school talent show and implemented a 4th and 5th grade after-school strings program under the direction of a very reputable local symphony violinist and teacher.

Directed all Sunday School classes by scheduling teachers and curriculum. Organized and set up classrooms for classes. Organized and directed meetings for teachers for classes and special events. Created and decorated a church children’s’ library fully stocked with children’s books. Directed the summer Vacation Bible School each year. This included staffing, purchasing the curriculum, purchasing supplies, scheduling, and organizing cleanup.

As a K-8 Music Teacher, I created and implemented lesson plans suitable for each grade level.  These lesson plans engaged each student to participate, using not only their voice, but their whole body along with instruments to help them learn many essential elements of music.  I would also help prepare them to sing the hymns and responses they would be singing at Mass each week.  Additionally, as a part of the middle schoolers' music class, I developed a chorus and handchime ensemble.
As a K-8 Computer Teacher, I instructed and supervised students on computer programs.  I also taught proper and safe use of the internet and developed lesson plans that incorporated these objectives.

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Created and taught engaging math lessons and activities.  Went into classrooms daily to provide extra instruction needed. Also tutored small groups of children after school in math.

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Taught students in classroom and well as organizing and supervising students' volunteer work at various off-site locations.  Also led and supervised student projects such as the construction of a memorial garden and partnering with a local elementary school to construct flower and vegetable garden.

Worked in customer service by handling incoming client phone calls. Answered insurance related questions as well as handling filing, bulk mailings, and computer input.