Rachel Peters, the music teacher at Donegal Primary School (DPS), firmly believes that students benefit most from a variety of educational opportunities. She saw that firsthand when first-, second- and third-graders participated in Music Mondays with Mr. Matt, a program presented by musician Matt Wheeler.

"I truly believe that students don't learn in silos, so any time we can utilize cross-curricular strategies, I feel the students really benefit," said Peters, who just wrapped up her first year teaching at DPS. "It's been a fun experience to hear how they related to the Mr. Matt songs and see them get excited to watch the videos every Monday."

This is the fifth year Wheeler has presented the music program to students. It focuses on social emotional learning (SEL) vocabulary, with Wheeler writing and sharing songs based on this topic. Wheeler presented weekly videos from March through May, and the program culminated in a school-wide assembly on June 4.

"I made recordings of each of the SEL songs, and teachers have access to them and can use them in their classes," Wheeler explained. "That generally means that the students know the songs and excitedly sing along at the assemblies - a real highlight."

Wheeler created videos featuring performances of the eight songs he wrote that highlight emotions, self-control, problem-solving, respect, responsibility, kindness, relationships and gratitude. The videos aired during morning announcements on Mondays. New this year, Wheeler included an opportunity for students to apply what they learned.

"In talking with Rachel ... and Kim Garner, the kindergarten teacher who spearheaded the creation of this artist residency, we discussed the need for practical ways for the students to be able to connect the SEL concepts to real-life scenarios in their own lives," Wheeler shared. "Yes, self-control is a good idea, but how does that look for a kindergartner at recess? A first-grader getting on the school bus? A second-grader at lunch in the cafeteria? The 'Let's Think' segments follow the song performances to talk about this - and include a fun new jingle."

Wheeler's artist residency was made possible by the Donegal Foundation, which supplied grant funds to support the project.

"The residency started in the spring of the 2020-2021 school year, in the midst of the pandemic, and was fully virtual then, but it still brought so much joy and was a win for everybody involved," Wheeler said. "I think that it's fair to say it exceeded our expectations for it."

Peters said she was impressed by the program and what the students took away from it at a pivotal age.

"There is so much foundational learning that happens in these primary grade levels," she said. "Teachers at DPS do a great job of emphasizing students' social and emotional learning and skills, and Mr. Matt's songs truly reinforce that work already being done. Students get yet another touchstone for several important concepts including respect, self-control and kindness."

She emphasized how well Wheeler connects with the young audience.

"Students are also exposed to a relatable musician who they then get to see in concert at the end of the year," she shared. "Having opportunities to experience music in all its many forms, including live music events, is such a valuable part of a well-rounded school experience."

Although his residency has wrapped up for the year, Wheeler hopes the lessons imparted will last.

"Music is a powerful memory aid, and to utilize music to reinforce such good, positive messages is fantastic," he said. "It's a joy to bring my musical abilities to this to encourage the students to better understand and apply kindness, gratitude and respect - and all of the SEL concepts - to prepare them to flourish as they grow."