Specialties at CGS: Music, Drama, Mindfulness

To say that our team “wears a lot of different hats” is quite a true (and literal!) statement. On any given day, you might see a member of our educator team taking part in morning greeting as the students arrive, or lending a helping hand at lunch time, providing guidance on a field trip, or even taking part in playground recess.

The Specialty Educators are an integral part of our CGS curriculum and community.  Through language, music, drama, physical education, mindfulness and art, we empower children to communicate, represent, and express their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. All of our specialties provide opportunities to enrich the child’s understanding of our world and the diverse cultures within it.

We’d like to introduce and re-introduce our Team and hope you’ll learn something new about each member, and which “hat” is their specialty.

Naomi Peltz, Music, Drama, Mindfulness

Naomi creates a safe space for our students that encourages diverse thinking, builds self confidence, supports emotional growth and regulation and, above all, fosters a love for creativity, the arts and well-being. Before joining us at CGS, her experience included developing a theatre program in China, and while in Italy using theatre and music as a way to teach English as a Second Language.

Her CGS curriculum teaches a foundation of music theory, performance, and the dramatic arts in line with the Ontario Arts Curriculum, and using a variety of techniques:

  • Play-based-learning: where students are encouraged to use a hands-on learning approach, through directed and free play. This encourages accelerated learning by engaging students emotionally and learning through trial, reflection and repetition.
  • Orff:  a music education process for the whole person; it is an active music experiential approach which encourages creativity through the student’s natural responses to music. Improvisation is an essential component; Orff believed in allowing the children to be the composers.
  • Suzuki: uses listening, imitation and repetition to help students learn the language of music. Suzuki teaching is based on a philosophy of respect for the child. Dr. Suzuki has said talent is not inherited, and the potential of every child is unlimited.
  • Viewpoints: a drama technique which explores space, movement, gesture, and observation driven by the idea of pursuing your interest moment by moment, resulting in full mental attention and engagement.
Naomi has her TEFL Certification with a focus on Theatre and Play along with a Performing Arts Diploma from Randolph Academy. With a Bachelor’s Degree of Creative Arts from Yorkville University, she’s not stopping there and is currently working on a Master’s of Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Did you know she also has a micro credential in Abnormal Psychology from Wesleyan University in Connecticut?
Through our MindUP program, Naomi provides introduction language and early years concepts about mindfulness in a child-centric way to give students the tools to embrace and redirect their emotions and bodies as needed and desired. Since 2015, the MindUP educational program and resources have formed the basis of our Mindfulness Program at CGS.
Every person deserves a fair chance at a healthier and more balanced life.
By teaching learners of all ages how to regulate emotions, calm the nervous system, and choose kindness and gratitude daily, we create a more interconnected and compassionate future for all.”

 

CGS is fortunate to see Naomi at work each day and to witness her passionate and dedicated focus as she fosters an early childhood love of music, drama, the arts and mindfulness.

Thank you, Naomi for sharing your talents with our CGS community!