Inspired and inspiring learning at KJHS

KJHS “makerspace” result surprises even the students

Kennedale Junior High, encouraging staff to be creative with the students by letting the students be creative this year, had an unexpected surprise last week. {{more: Read more …}}

Mr. Scott, Drama Director and teacher, set out a piano in an unused open space at the school and then the staff sat back and watched. What happened blew away the teachers and the students and it came from a totally unexpected direction.

 

For those of you who are able to veiw Facebook content the following is video which has had over 30,000 views – KJHS Facebook video

This how the KJHS Facebook post describes what happen and why it was such a surprise.

C.J. Mitchell, an 8th student who no one at school knew had musical talents, stepped up to the piano to perform for his friends. To say the least, we were all shocked. And, after learning more about C.J. today, we feel there are five things you should know:

• C.J. has never had any musical training.
• C.J. has never had piano lessons.
• C.J. does not have a piano or keyboard at home.
• C.J. cannot read music.
• C.J. learned to play piano by himself.

 

C.J. told us that he learned to play the piano because they needed a piano player at Breaking the Chains Baptist Church in Arlington, where he and his family are members. Now, here are three more things you should know about C.J. that make this video absolutely incredible:

• C.J. didn’t start playing the piano until January of 2016.
• Until September, all C.J. knew how to play was church songs.
• Since September, C.J. has learned many new songs such as this one by watching YouTube videos using the new Chromebook he was issued 6 weeks ago by KISD.

sometimes all is needed is a little inspiration and a few tools …

 

Micheal Cagle, KJHS Principal, said, ?Sometimes, all a kid needs is a little inspiration and a few tools to help him/her be successful. This year, one of the goals at KJHS is to empower students by finding avenues for them to explore their interests, express their creativity, and showcase their talents.”

 

According to research, students who create, build, synthesize, invent and perform use the highest levels of thinking will achieve greater levels of learning and deeper understanding. These students will be more prepared to solve complex problems and face challenges in the real world.

One way to accomplish this goal is to provide “Maker Spaces,” which are areas in a school designated to promote creativity and problem solving. A “Maker Space,” by design, is supposed to have few rules and constraints, so that students can “think outside of the box.”

 

Hats off to the KJHS staff and their students.