Artist Anna Moo visits North Vista Elementary

More than 80 first-graders at North Vista Elementary School had the chance this week to experience music and arts through the talents of Artist in Residence Anna Moo.

Moo, an award-winning songwriter and artist, is visiting North Vista from Florida through a grant from the S.C. Arts Commission and the state Department of Education.

Moo uses music, art and dance to educate children about the world.

“It’s a wonderful way for children to immerse themselves in the arts,” she said.

During Tuesday’s classes, children learned about the West African country of Cameroon, the history of kites in China,and the way weather affects everyone’s daily lives. Children sang classic songs such as “You are my Sunshine” and were taught new songs in English, Chinese and American Sign Language.

“First-graders, are wide open,” Moo said. “After that kids, kind of get into a closed mode where they are either into school or they are not. The whole idea of early childhood educators is to inspire the desire for children to learn.”

Moo’s visit continues through Thursday.

For more information about the S.C. Arts Commission, visit http://www.SouthCarolinaArts.com.