Rhythm Rooms: Body Percussion Tools for Engagement, Belonging, and Classroom Culture

More than ever, schools need cooperative learning environments where students feel a sense of belonging and know their voice matters. This workshop is a hands-on professional learning experience that equips educators with practical, rhythm-based strategies to strengthen engagement, focus, and classroom community across all grade levels and subject areas.  We will explore how these approaches help students build focus, self-regulation, nonverbal communication, collaboration, and confidence.  These strategies channel energy in positive, focused ways, align with SEL goals, and can be used immediately—no music or dance background required. Participants will experience stepping and body percussion activities and learn how to adapt them for classroom use as warm-ups, mindset training, focus resets, and collaborative learning tools. Each strategy is clearly connected to classroom application, with guidance on facilitation, differentiation, and classroom management—making the session valuable for general classroom teachers, arts specialists, and administrators alike. Participants will also take part in a short step performance inspired by collegiate step traditions and examine how its structure can be scaled for different ages, spaces, and instructional goals.  Come ready to clap, stomp, and laugh your way into tools for creating a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and part of the rhythm. Lunch is included in each deep dive. LUNCH MENU Greek Salad (Vegan, Gluten-Free) Cannelini Bean & Pasta Salad (Vegan) Lemon Basmati Rice (Vegan, Gluten-Free) Mediterranean Spiced Chicken (Gluten-Free) Tahini Dressing Falafel (Vegan, Gluten-Free) Roasted Vegetables   Lemon Bars & Baklava