Specials

The K-4 elementary vocal music curriculum focuses upon the development of independent musicianship. Singing is the foundation of all music skills as the voice is the instrument. Music skills are sequentially taught through the musical processes of performing, responding, creating and connecting. Students develop independent musicianship by learning to read and write musical notation through grade appropriate songs. Exploring movement and creating new arrangements of music through song games and rounds allows students to make choices towards innovative solutions. Students listen and respond to music making cultural connections with language arts, social studies, art, and science through interdisciplinary learning. Communicating through the language of music enables students to independently explore the world around them through self-expression.

Students in grades K-4 explore and create art work using subject matter of architecture, design, landscape, portrait, still life, and symbol systems. They have many opportunities to explore a variety of materials while building and practicing skills and techniques that increase in complexity with each grade. Art units integrate classroom themes in language arts, social studies, math, and science, and students develop an ability to transfer and apply knowledge from one situation to another, which results in deep authentic learning. Following the Arts Propel model of perception, production and reflection, students gain understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and their role in the world around them, across cultures and throughout history.

Physical Education: The kindergarten physical education program focuses on helping each student explore their potential for movement. The kindergarten student begins to emerge from the movement of early childhood where movements tend to be more playful than purposeful. Movement for the kindergarten student is focused on exploring the bodies’ capabilities for manipulating objects and moving and controlling their body in space. It is here that students begin to see the possibilities for throwing, kicking, running, rolling, twisting, turning, jumping and landing, etc. These fundamental movements form the foundation for future participation in games, dance, gymnastics and adventure based activities. Kindergarten students are provided opportunities to purposefully practice and explore these possibilities in individual and small group activities. The learning environment emphasizes effort and exploring as the foundation for success.

Health & Wellness: Kindergarteners explore concepts in health throughout the year. Health and Wellness topics are integrated into our Explorations themes: Fall: Knowing Myself and Others; Winter: Caring for Myself and Others; and Spring: Our Beautiful Earth. As students engage in imaginative and constructive play together, they will make sense of their world and learn to collaborate, think critically, problem-solve, and innovate.