Benton Specialist Monthly Recap

In the art room, we’ve been diving deeper into multi-step projects, shifting the focus from final outcomes to the creative process. Unlike earlier in the year, I now provide fewer finished examples, encouraging students to determine their own 'finish line' for each piece. This approach fosters exploration, problem-solving, and personal expression. Additionally, we’ve been exploring mixed media, experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques to expand artistic possibilities.

All students K through 5 are working on soccer this month. Dribbling with the inside or outside of their foot and remembering not to use their toe. They are all getting used to different positions and taking turns being the goalie.

Students are encouraging one another using the “good try” or “good job" phrases.

5th grade- Fifth graders spent the month of February working on ukuleles.  Students learned C, F, A minor and G chords, and played along wo many songs using those chords.

4th grade- We wrapped up recorders this month.  Students mastered the notes B,A,G,E and D, and can now play many songs on the recorder using those notes!

3rd grade- 3rd grade continued working on half and sixteenth notes through song and movement

2nd grade- Second grade learned how to play a crossover bordun on Orff instruments, using Do and Mi

Kindergarten and 1st-  Kindergarten and First continued working on steady beat, loud and quiet, and fast and slow using classroom instruments and song.

All Benton Bees spent the month learning about different amazing musicians like Trombone Shorty, John Batiste, Cole Porter, Scott Joplin, and Ella Fitzgerald as well!

Happy Spring and let’s keep wishing for warm weather and sunshine!  In Counseling, we have just finished our unit on Empathy by making an effort to understand how others feel.  Students practiced being observers, reflecting on how someone might feel in a situation, and using kind words or problem solving skills to help.  Learning about Empathy supports student social emotion growth at home and school. 

We celebrated Read Across America Week this month by bringing in guest readers for every class, earning extra books at library checkouts, and making reading celebration pins they could wear home. 

We also started prepping for the MAP test this month!  We looked at the specific tools we need to know how to use to show what we know come test time.

As always, please fill out this form if you'd like to share something unique about your student on our hallway projector screen! 

In grades 2nd-5th students finished their mini slideshow project showcasing a black historical figure.

In kinder & 1st grade students were introduced to Keynote where they made an animal landscape scene using premade shapes. In addition, they then animated their scene making their creations come to life.