Music Class ~ Amanda Bauer
There have been fun new adventures in music class this year. Primary students have been practicing steady beat and rhythm as well as moving their bodies through space in a musical way. Intermediate students have focused on creating music through unpitched and pitched percussion instruments. They use cups, drumsticks, Boomwhackers, xylophones, and metallophones. In addition, we have a new program where once a week we have a Music/Physical Education combo class that allows our students to experience a hybrid of all our favorite things from both worlds. Mr. Roberts, Mr. Boyle, Mr. Brian and Ms. Bauer have had a wonderful time working together to create memorable experiences of unity for the students.
Artist-In-Residence Program
Nationally certified Drums Alive trainer, My Buan, is teaching the students all about Drums Alive. It uses stability balls and drumsticks, scarves, shakers, and any and all things to create choreography. It allows students to learn drumming techniques, learn choreography, use teamwork, and move their bodies. The students have had so much fun with the experience.
Orchestra - Grades 4 and 5 ~ Mark Anderson
Fifth Grade Orchestra students are learning to play 3 pieces: "We Will Rock You" by Queen, "Ode To Joy" by Ludwig van Beethoven, "Harry's Wondrous World" from Harry Potter by John Williams. Later in the school year they will be working on "Ancient Mother" (Native American Folk Song) and "Kum Ba Yah" (African Folk Song).
Fourth Grade Orchestra students are learning 2 notes (the open D and open A strings) with their bows. Using the bow takes great effort so please give your orchestra student lots of encouragement as they are learning to play a very difficult string instrument. It requires everyday practice to be successful. Mr. Anderson always tells his students that failure is not an option. Practice and you will succeed!
Physical Education ~ Freddie Boyle and Tom Roberts
Students have improved their spatial awareness and cardiovascular endurance by participating in a variety of running activities, practicing different locomotor movements, and playing a variety of chase and pursuit games such as knee tag. Students have exhibited responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others by engaging in a variety of student choice options.
Talent Development ~ Marriah Foudray (K-2), Lisa Bottolene (3-5)
Grades K-2: We have been exploring polygons, learning about lines, our brain and engineering. Each week the students get a chance to inquire into Science, Math, Technology, Restorative Practices and Art. The students talked about what is their WOW (where in their lives they feel most energized and successful). We have been working on the Approaches to Learning: I listen, I talk and I can wait my turn.
Grades 3-5: Students in third through fifth grade just began inquiring into the BRAIN. Students will use research skills to conduct experiments to better understand how the brain functions. Through reflections, students will identify actions they can take with this knowledge to improve their learning. All learning activities in this unit will include opportunities to participate in Science, Art and Technology.
Library Media ~ Joanne Bongaarts
We have enjoyed some fabulous picture book read alouds this year like: I Am The Longest Dog and Never Show A T. Rex A Book. Students have been using library routines to browse and pick books and to complete learning tasks while rotating through stations. Stations include building toys like Legos and Zoobs to create structures, iPads to build fluency in using online resources, and strategy games like Connect Four and Jenga. Grades 3, 4, and 5 have been focused the last two weeks on using Google Slides, a great tool to share what you know. Help your students remember to bring back their library books to school when they are done with them. Please click here for info about AQ's online resources.
