The beat of samba drums, the thunder of stomping gumboots, the crack of Māori sticks, and the lively snap of tinikling poles—students at Badger Elementary travel the world without ever leaving school.
Students of all ages explore global music traditions during their regular music classes, led by teachers Sarah Phelps and Corrina Albright. Fourth- and fifth-grade students who want to dive deeper can extend what they learn in class by joining World Music Club.
Tinikling, a traditional folk dance from the Philippines, is inspired by the agile tikling bird and challenges dancers to step quickly and precisely between moving poles.
As part of Badger’s arts-integrated approach, lessons don’t stay in one lane. Tinikling was part of both music and physical-education units, using jump bands in place of poles.
To bring students a more authentic experience, Phelps and Albright requested an Appleton Education Foundation grant to purchase PVC pipes, which Phelps cut to size as practice poles, allowing students to experience tinikling’s intricate timing and footwork.
The result? Engaged, energized learners who eagerly give up recess to attend World Music Club. These students bring their enthusiasm and skills back to weekly music classes.
The impact doesn’t stop there.
“It’s amazing to see students gain confidence and participate joyfully,” Phelps said. “Increased movement, especially through rhythmic folk dance, also helps students stay focused on their academic tasks.”
This story first appeared in AEF’s 2025 Report to the Community in March 2026. Review the complete 2025 Report to the Community.