Music Artist in Residence: Week 3

Music Artist in Residence: Week 2

Music Artist in Residence: Week 1

It was a great week at Pratt School!

Students learned to dance, sing, and drum. There were smiles and dancing feet all around!

On April 25th we will welcome the next round of classes.

Music Artist in Residence: Day 1

On April 18th, we were excited to welcome Music Teaching Artist Christian Adeti into our school. There were smiles all around this morning as Mr. Adeti introduced students in several classrooms to traditional West African drums.

In their first hour, students learned about Ghana, the different ways to play their drums, and created their own rhythms and beats.

It was a great first day of drumming.

Thanks again to the PTO for sponsoring this residency, and Mrs. Hoppe for hosting it in the gym!

Engineering and Design

In Enrichment class students are taught about the engineering and design process and how it can be used to solve problems. From identifying a problem, brainstorming solutions, researching, and planning, to creating, improving, and sharing solutions. We use it almost every day. During the past few weeks we have been giving it extra attention though as students 2nd-5th graders have been solving some challenging engineering problems with limited supplies.

Students have designed towers made of only paper, cardboard marble runs, and even working water towers. All the while continuing to improve their collaboration and communication skills.

Theater Arts

During the months of December, January, and February students told stories through writing, drawing, acting, and even movie-making. Students planned their stories in groups. Broke them down into scenes, and used their Ipads to record their acting. We also worked together to use I-movie to edit their work adding voice-over and sound effects. At the end of two weeks of work, we celebrated with a Film Festival!

Design Thinking and Robots

This week Enrichment students began to explore and create using Robots. Working in groups and with partners, they explored how coding is used to control the movements of a robot. Students took on challenges, using their robots, to create paths, bridges, and artwork. They imagined and planned their work. They created, tested, and improved their work. Many students also began to teach others how best to program and use their robots. We all can't wait to see where this takes them.

The First Two Weeks

This year students' are coming to the Enrichment Classroom in blocks of two weeks. During these first weeks, students broke out the Keeva Planks, legos, and building blocks. These would be our tools for learning in our first few days. Students' main work though, was to get used to the challenge of working together. Yes, there were disagreements even the occasional argument. But students' learned to work through them. To hear each other's ideas. To set goals together. To plan together. To take turns. To share in both success and failure. This was certainly just the beginning and we will continue to work on the skills required for working together as the year goes on.