Through her LEF Teacher Grant, Christine Barnett, Music Specialist at Hebron Valley Elementary, brought Celebrating Our Pacific Island Friends to life, giving fifth-grade students the opportunity to explore the culture of the Philippines through Tinikling, a traditional dance that combines music, rhythm and movement.
With the addition of the Tinikling Set, students gained hands-on experience with a new cultural tradition while developing coordination, teamwork and collaboration skills. The dance requires two students to rhythmically tap bamboo sticks while another dancer moves between them, encouraging students to communicate, keep time and rely on one another.
The activity quickly became a classroom favorite. Reflecting on the students' experience, Barnett shared, "The joy, the laughter, the excitement! They wanted to do it every class period after they learned how to do it."
The impact of Barnett's grant will continue beyond the school year, as Tinikling has officially become part of Hebron Valley Elementary's spring curriculum.
Through this project, students gained a greater appreciation for another culture while building valuable skills and experiencing the joy of learning together.
