Specials Update - Feb/Mar

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.

Music w/ Ms. Katherine

katherinea@willowwind.org

Visit Ms. Katherine's blog for monthly updates.

http://willowwindmusic.weebly.com/

Art w/ Ms. Elise

For this art block students did three large projects. The first was a artist study of illustrator and author Eric Carle. We looked at animals in his art then created our own drawings using wax resist.

The next two art projects were based on the pop artist Claes Oldenburg who made large sculptures with paper mache and fabric.

We made large sculptures using recycled materials and the process of paper mache. (1&2) are in the library and can go home.

Español w/ Ms. Ximena
ximenac@willowwind.org
February was a great month.  The kids enjoyed the Valentine’s Day Celebration; we had treats, candies, cards and an special book from our secret friend.  Because of that celebration, in Spanish class they learned a new song called “Cada vez que nos juntamos” (Every time we get together).  Also, they wrote a Valentine’s card in Spanish to a friend or a family member.

After Valentine’s Day, we started the unit “Las Formas” (The Shapes). We talked about shapes around the world, and shapes that they can find inside our classroom.  Also, they have enjoyed the song “Somos las Formas” (we are shapes) and the books: “Captain invincible and the space shapes”, “Una Oruga muy Hambrienta” and “Una Historia contada por mi abuelo”.

Next month, we are going to start with the unit “La Comida” (food).  Have a wonderful Spring break!

Phy Ed w/ Ms. Susan

susant@willowwind.org

Bowling:  Young children get excited about knocking bowling pins over with a ball. They have very little concern about scoring or other competitive aspects of the formal game. Although our students at Willowwind will learn in a traditional sense, by learning how to set up the pins in a conventional manner. Students will learn how to count the number of pins in each row and confirm that they have ten pins by counting them all. This integrates numeric concepts into the Physical Education activity. Students will learn how to put the pins in the same arrangement each time. As an alternative, students will design their own pin arrangements and see how the different arrangements affect the way the pins fall. It is preferable that students work in small groups in order to maximize participation. For example, there might be one student bowling while one or two others set up the pins and one student will keep score. Students will rotate positions. Since the emphasis is on the underhand throw and seeing how many pins they can knock down.

Program Goal: Drills are used to develop the fundamental skills. Learning to roll the bowling ball, setting up the pins, keeping score. Students will be able to play a functional game of bowling employing basic skills, rules, and strategies.

Rationale: Bowling is a team sport that challenges students to work together to accomplish many goals. Bowling requires a level of hand eye coordination, and a level of communication and understanding.

Bowling Objectives:

1) After sufficient instruction and practice time, students will be able to roll a bowling ball by demonstrating proper form and an acceptable level of accuracy.

2) After sufficient instruction and practice time, students will be able to set up the pins in the proper order by demonstrating proper form and an acceptable level of accuracy minding safety precautions.

3) After reviewing basic explanations, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic rules of bowling by playing the game.

4) After an explanation of expectations, students will be consistently demonstrate elements of communication and courtesy by taking turns, keeping score, setting up the pins, and rolling the bowling ball. Students will also learn that working together as a team to achieve the common goal of scoring and having fun with their teammates.

• Handling the bowling ball                    
• Controlled roll
• Ball handling and passing strategy
• Throwing for accuracy
• Counting the pins
• Keeping score
• The game of bowling
• Basic Rules
• Communication and courtesy