Spotlight on ART - Mrs. Kushner
This year I am excited to slowly transition third and fourth graders to a Choice-based Art Education method. (CBAE) Choice-based art uses specific centers like drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, etc., and choices. Students will be encouraged to come up with ideas for their art making, depending on the center they are in. They will learn how to think through their process as an artist does and explore new techniques to understand the medium. This approach facilitates differentiation, which meets the needs of various learners, and aligns with the current National Art Education Standards.
Below you will find the eight Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM). These eight habits combined with Choice, is the framework that will guide students to think through their creative process.
For Grades K-2, I am still teaching with a Discipline-based art instruction (DBAE). This method is more teacher-led, and there is a solid tie to studio instruction emphasizing techniques. Students learn about various artists, art history, cultural art, and different art techniques.
Below are images of students learning to work together and solve problems in art. Standing up is always an option for students while working which helps with student differentiation. This year I added a new rug area for students to puzzle play, read books, or draw quietly when finished with their art lesson. This special area has been very successful so far. Students are enjoying the special seating I have available in this area.
Spotlight on Physical Education - Andrea Lamonica
Welcome to Studley Elementary School and the 2022-2023 school year. The year has been off to a great start in the gymnasium. We started out reviewing procedures and personal space. Ask your student(s) about our hula hoop cars. We are currently working on underhand and overhand throwing. Kindergarten and first graders will be working on under-hand and overhand throwing fundamentals (step, point, twist, throw) at targets. The second, third, and fourth graders will be progressing towards a keep away/hand ball game. A portion of each class is spent reviewing recess. We practice games that they can organize themselves. We are practicing the game of “Switch” right now.
Keep your eyes open for our new PLAYWORKS program. The Playworks program is designed to support our students at recess by fostering an environment of respect and inclusion, while creating healthy communities where children feel safe to be themselves and grow.
Thank you for sending your student(s) in with sneakers for Physical Education. Good footwear is critical to student learning. Individual labeled water bottles are also encouraged.
Spotlight on Wellness - Mrs. Fabisch
Welcome to Wellness, where we learn all about the power of mindset, self-regulation strategies, and the importance of movement (bending and stretching) through play and reflection. In grades K-4 students are all learning about checking in or assessing how they are feeling. Students in grades 2-4 have learned about the “Zones of Regulation” as a way to assess how they are feeling. In Kindergarten and 1st grade students are working on a thumbs up, thumbs middle, thumbs down system as a means to assess how they are feeling. Another area of focus will be on “mindfulness.” Mindfulness simply refers to strategies used to help students regulate their feelings by using their breath. In grades 3 & 4 students will be journaling their thoughts and experiences as we learn new strategies. So far, third and 4th graders have made pinwheels to see the power of their breath!
In Kindergarten and 1st grade we are working on movement patterns, specifically animal walks by reading “Brown Bear, Brown Bear!” By learning movement patterns and pathways students are able to navigate our space safely.
Over the next few weeks students in all grades will begin to explore the various dimensions of wellness; Social, Leisure, Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning with your student(s)! Sneakers would also be very much appreciated on Wellness day!
Spotlight on Music - Mr. Clavette
We are off to an amazing start in music this year. Kindergarten and grade 1 are exploring steady beat through songs, poems, and games. Grades 2, 3, and 4 are learning about rhythm and music notation and are beginning to perform rhythm patterns on instruments. Ask your 3rd or 4th grader about the ostinato song. The 4th grade chorus has also begun rehearsing and they already sound amazing. Soon, the 3rd graders will begin learning to play the recorder.
There are so many exciting things in the works this year. Make sure to keep on the lookout for announcements about events and concerts.
