Art
The Elementary School art program strives to instill in students a love of and appreciation for artwork, to equip them with manipulative and expressive skills, and
to develop their capacity for artistic expression. Students work with a wide range of materials and tools throughout their years in Elementary School. Their teacher encourages them to interpret assignments and projects in their own creative way, and to reflect on the artistic and creative process. In the Elementary School, we teach art through a combination of units designed to build specific skills (drawing, painting, construction, and printmaking) and themes which immerse students in a particular culture or genre. Elementary School students meet for art class once a week for 60 minutes.
Music
Students at The Community School Elementary School participate in general music classes twice a week for half an hour. Students perform as a school twice a year in the school theater in our Winter and Spring performances, as well as throughout the year when the entire school, or just select grades perform, including Grandfriend's Day, Community Meetings, and Moving-Up Ceremonies. Each grade has their own theme, which is used as an umbrella to teach the rudiments of music reading, vocal and instrumental performance, music listening and appreciation, and music history. The music classroom is filled with a variety of instruments to stimulate young eyes and ears, including rhythm instruments, recorders, xylophones, boomwhackers, hand drums, congas, and bongos. These instruments are combined with children's books and the best of the Kodaly and Orff methods to create a curriculum that produces students who love to perform, and are ready to begin an in-depth study of the instrument of their choice in Middle School.
Dance
The Elementary School dance program is based on creative movement and
promotes individual expression, imagination and cooperation with the
group. Younger students work with themes
such as seasons and holidays, while older students experience
choreography using the principals of Laban: Space, Shape, Effort and
Time. As students explore the power of moving, they find new ways to
express themselves and interact with classmates in a positive and joyful
environment. Dance is an important part of all of the Elementary School productions
and students are featured in unique and creative dances which add a
special element to all performances.
Drama
The drama program begins in kindergarten and focuses on creative
exploration. As students mature, students develop tools of the actor:
the voice, the body and the imagination. Older students focus on the fundamentals of theater, such as working
on a stage, basic acting techniques and theatre terminology. Drama is designed to teach students how to work together in groups,
think critically, use their imagination, discover new ideas, and solve
problems. Students learn how to improve their focus, self-confidence,
and social skills. Students in the Elementary School perform in at least two production a
year in the Community School theater, and also present shorter
performances, skits and news shows at Community Meetings.