Using Music To Build Curriculum Connections: Adventures in Learning with Wincey Terry-Bryant

Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning

Meet Wincey Terry-Bryant, an incredible, knock your socks off edutainer who knows how to connect history, STEM, cultural, and the performing arts in a way that engages early childhood and elementary audiences. She's the CEO of WinceyCo, and an international artist who has performed with Sting and Tina Turner and guested on Sesame Street In 1988, Wincey combined her love for music, education and children to found a performing arts troupe that educates audiences about serious social issues and academic subject matter. These dynamic live educational shows are presented by professional Winceyco actors, singers, dancers and musicians. Wincey has produced two educational music cds, one cartoon dvd and a children’s book on bullying.

• [01:30] The journey from singing in the church choir to becoming the CEO of Wincey Co, a company focused on music and early childhood education.
• [05:11] Highlights of an incredible 30-year career, including the joy of impacting young minds and supporting teachers through professional development.
• [07:47] Challenges teachers face today.
• [08:29] Creating programs that focus on under-celebrated figures in history.
• [11:31] How "faction," a mix of fact and action, helps to make history engaging.
• [12:16] The importance of hands-on learning and EQ (emotional quotient) development in fostering problem-solving and collaboration among students.
• [14:35] Virtual STEAM course Ad
• [15:48] The OG Black History assembly, including African kings and queens, the contributions of African and African American inventors, and how they were not always credited due to discrimination.
• [17:17] A jingle Wincey uses to teach children about inventions made by Black inventors.
• [18:16] The joys of being a teaching artist for the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and how she developed her show "Character Rocks."
• [26:55] Teacher resource guides and lesson plans created to accompany WinceyCo's assembly programs.
• [29:17] The challenge of being holiday-centric when it comes to celebrating Black History Month and Latin Heritage Month, stressing the importance of integrating these celebrations throughout the school year.
• [30:30] Professional Development Ad
• [32:01] Creating educational content that connects and appeals with young audiences.
• [36:30] Working with Wolf Trap as a teaching artist providing performing arts and STEM connections for early childhood educators. She discusses the importance of teaching math skills to young children and making learning fun for them.
• [40:18] The importance of empowering teachers to be creative in their teaching methods and providing valuable experiences for their students.
• [44:00] Covid programming -- how "Wincy Co Workshop" provided strategies for parents to teach their children at home.
• [50:15] The joys of creating and working with actors, especially helping new actors fulfill their dreams.
• [51:02] Hope in a next generation of children and educators.

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