Specials Update - Oct/Nov

Each month, Specials teachers will be providing updates to give you a peek into the progress your child is making in Specials classes.  If you ever have questions about your child within a particular class please feel free to email that teacher directly.  They are always available and happy to help.

ASP w/ Mr. Dan & Friends
dand@willowwind.org
Visit ASP's blog for regular updates.
http://willowwindasp.weebly.com

Music w/ Ms. Katherine

katherinea@willowwind.org

Visit Ms. Katherine's blog for monthly updates.

http://willowwindmusic.weebly.com/

Art w/ Mr. Ryan

ryanb@willowwind.org

During the first art block, K-2 got back into the Visual Arts by learning about and reviewing three of the Elements of Art: Line, Shape, and Color. I taught them that a line is a “dot that takes a walk” (Paul Klee), when the line connects it makes a shape. There are two types of shapes geometric (shapes with names or math shapes) and organic (uniques shapes.) Color was introduced with watercolor, and we learned about the primary and secondary colors.

I also introduced and reviewed what media was in art (“things used to make art”), and we got to explore graphite, markers, crayons, watercolor, oil pastels, and collage. Kindergarteners learned about Piet Mondrian as an artist example, and I showed 1st/2nd Mondrian and Theo van Doesberg. To wrap up the first block, students made a final project using mixed media, which is using two or more mediums on one art piece.

During this second block, we will be learning about ceramics. We will understand earthenware clay and its stages of drying. As far as hand-building techniques we will cover pinching, coiling, and slab-building, and how to attach clay by using slip and scoring. Students will show their understanding and practice these techniques by making a pinch pot, a coil bowl, and a slab vase. Once they complete these tasks of making a functional piece of art, they will be free to make a “free” project which may be functional or non-functional. I will show slides from traditional and contemporary ceramic works for Native American and Pacific Island cultures to inspire creative ideas of their own.

Espanol w/ Ms. Ximena

ximenac@willowwind.org
We just finished the Unit: “Parts of the face”. We started with Halloween activities, adding the Unit: “Parts of the body”. They have enjoyed the class singing, drawing, and playing.  One of the activities they did this month was to draw a Monster’s face. They had to create a monster drawing his face parts, and saying them in Spanish. Also, we played a game called "Toca tu cara", where they had to touch their own face parts as I was calling them in Spanish. An extension of this is that the students are now feeling more confident at saying Spanish words, which is really rewarding.

This month, I added “Halloween” as a cultural topic. We have talked about Halloween celebration and most of the activities are related to this event. For example, we created a Pumpkin face and they helped me put the parts of the face together when I said the words in Spanish.  Next month, I will introduce the Unit: “Numbers” and “Thanksgiving” as a cultural focus.

Phy Ed w/ Ms. Susan

susant@willowwind.org

The curriculum for Kindergarten and Primary School students promotes both gross and fine motor skill development through use of warm-ups, games and manipulatives. Warm-ups consist of stretching exercises and free choice as a leader. Games include soccer, football, and noodle tag. Manipulatives like bean bags, parachutes games, and jump rope are being incorporated . The goal of physical education class is to learn how to lead and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. This unit is essential to building a positive, active, successful and safe learning environment. Students are learning to understand how physical education class is organized and the expectations related to their participation.  

As their Physical Education teacher I continue to pay particular attention to their social development. Taking advantage of building their self esteem and confidence throughout  their physical education class. Students are working on problem solving, cooperation and even learning to be leaders by taking turns which is critical to a successful program.

The goal of physical education is to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.

To pursue a lifetime of healthful physical activity, a physically literate individual.

• Has learned the skills necessary to participate in a variety of physical activities.
• Knows the implications and the benefits of involvement in various types of physical activities.
• Participates regularly in physical activity.
• Is physically fit.
• Values physical activity and its contributions to a healthful lifestyle.
• Believe that honesty, respect, and responsibility are character traits.