Marney-Bell was one of 33 UChicago student volunteers to teach this year at City Elementary, which focuses on fostering a positive environment for children who are neurodiverse—with diagnoses including autism, ADHD or learning disabilities that make traditional classroom environments overwhelming or anxiety-provoking.
At City Elementary, a K-8 school focused on empowering diverse learners in the Kenwood neighborhood, Marney-Bell noticed how music helped kids thrive and grow.
She was particularly excited to see one of her minimally verbal students express himself through sharing favorite songs, improvising in musical groups and composing with software.
“He was very hesitant to raise his hand, answer questions or share his work,” said Marney-Bell, a fourth-year student in the College. “It was amazing to see him come out of his shell—and to see the music work to get him excited about learning and collaborating. It was a different avenue to talk about how emotions can be expressed with children who have autism. Honestly, I feel like it led to a greater appreciation of music for me.”
Marney-Bell was one of 33 UChicago student volunteers to teach this year at City Elementary, which focuses on fostering a positive environment for children who are neurodiverse—with diagnoses including autism, ADHD or learning disabilities that make traditional classroom environments overwhelming or anxiety-provoking.
Leveraging the unique passions of College and graduate students, and their expertise in fields from music to medicine, UChicago’s nearly decade-long partnership with City Elementary has generated a series of programs and classes which rethink and revitalize how neurodiverse kids experience elementary school classrooms.
“I think it’s been a key for UChicago students to have the opportunity to not only understand neurodiversity, but also do something positive with it. Being part of these kids’ lives in a really meaningful way, I see them coming back happy and talking about how this was the best part of their week,” said Christopher Flint, Head of School at City Elementary.
Click here for the full story, which was first published on The College website.
