Matthew Stensrud

Responsive Classroom in the Schulwerk:

A Natural Fit

April 16, 2016

Skyview Elementary School

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

With the implementation of Responsive Classroom in elementary schools across the country, music educators can be an influential voice in the successful use of this process based, community driven and exploration centered approach. Come and learn more about the basics of Responsive Classroom, how it looks in the elementary classroom, and why Responsive Classroom is a natural fit in the Schulwerk. Join us for a morning full of playing, speaking, singing, moving and creating!

Responsive Classroom is an approach to elementary education that leads to greater teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement, and improved school climate. Inspired by elementary classroom teachers, Responsive Classroom teachers recognize that knowing our children developmentally and culturally is an essential part of teaching. Responsive Classroom creates an equal balance of social and academic curricula and employs this balance with students through an explorative and process-driven approach similar to what Orff Schulwerk teachers employ in their own classrooms.  

Matthew Stensrud (MM, George Mason University; BM, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music) teaches kindergarten through fifth grade music at Annandale Terrace Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia.  He completed his Orff Schulwerk certification at the San Francisco International Orff Course in the summer of 2013 and his training in Responsive Classroom in 2011. Matthew presents frequently on the successful combination of Orff Schulwerk and Responsive Classroom, has published articles on Responsive Classroom in the music room and is currently contributing to a book for specialists on the incorporation of Responsive Classroom.  He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

Driving directions to Skyview Elementary

From I-79, take I-68 Exit (last Morgantown exit. It is well-marked)

Once on I-68, take Exit 1 toward Morgantown

Turn left onto US119 N/Grafton Road for 3.5 miles

Turn left onto Pleasant St/Westover Bridge

Take first left after bridge onto River Road for 1.5 miles

At stop sign, continue straight up hill

School is on right

Fees:

Membership:  $15 per school year

Workshop:      $20 for members

                        $30 for non-members

Students:        Free with ID