Creating Camaraderie in Karaoke Club

The club, under the direction of Ms. Samantha Heindl-Porter and Ms. Catherine Sommer, allows the students the opportunity to sing, dance and support their singing friends.

The club started because there was a Karaoke Club at the district's middle school level, and South School teachers thought it would be a great idea to have one at the elementary level as well.

Ms. Heindl-Porter said they loved the idea of the club for a few reasons. 

First, Ms. Heindl-Porter said singing is fun and many of the students have developed a love for music. 

Second, she said they saw an opportunity for students to practice reading fluency in an informal way as lyrics to the songs are projected on a screen. 

And finally, she said there is always a need for social emotional learning (SEL) support and friendship groups.

"We hoped that we could create a safe, creative environment in which students would collaborate, share and support each other," Ms. Heindl-Porter said.

On any given week the students love singing Disney tunes and Taylor Swift songs. "The joy, silliness and camaraderie that we have found in this club is unmatched," Ms. Heindl-Porter said.

She said many students approach her and Ms. Sommer in the hall throughout the week, requesting songs and sharing that they can't wait to hold the microphone on Friday and laughing about something silly from the week before.