Specials Update - Mar/April

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 website for monthly updates.

http://willowwindmusic.weebly.com/

Art w/ Mr. Ryan

ryanb@willowwind.org
Visit mr. Ryan's website for monthly updates.
www.ryanbentzinger.com/teaching/

Español w/ Ms. Ximena
ximenac@willowwind.org
We are almost at the end of the school year and the kids are doing a great job in Spanish class! I am always gratified and excited by what the students can accomplish in a relatively short period of time.  Their enthusiasm for learning Spanish makes it a pleasure to work with them.

Since my last note, we have continued to learn more vocabulary about shapes. Also, this month we added the topic “La ropa” (the clothes) and have practiced the vocabulary every day with the question: What are you wearing today? among other activities. Perhaps, you have heard about the song “Gorro, Camisa, y Pantalones”. It is a funny and catchy song about clothes and the kids love it!  Also, this month we read the books “Froggy se viste” by Jonathan London and “Pino se viste solo” by Gabriela Keselman.

Next month, we are going to start the unit: “Las Vocales” (The vowels).  The kids are going to practice the vowels sounds and words that start with each vowel.

Also, we are going to do an Easter bunny activity and they are going to practice few Spanish words about Easter.

Phy Ed w/ Ms. Susan

susant@willowwind.org

Badminton Unit:  My philosophy is that Physical Education should promote the learning domains and provide a positive learning environment where the students feel comfortable regardless of their ability. Through making our program paced and fun I will be able to incorporate different teaching styles so that those students of all levels feel comfortable and increase their badminton skills. I feel that Physical Education should encourage students to take their new abilities and love for physical activity outside of their school where they will be able to use the skills that they have learned in school to play either at a competitive or a recreational level.

All students will be able to play a functional game of badminton employing basic skills, rules and strategies.  Badminton is a lifetime activity which includes enhancing social skills and motor skills.

Unit Objectives:

1. After sufficient instruction and practice time all students will be able to move to the shuttlecock and execute a shot demonstrating proper form and an acceptable level of accuracy.
2. After sufficient instruction and practice time all students will be able to execute and underhand serve demonstrating proper form and acceptable level of success.
3. After reviewing verbal explanation, students will demonstrate knowledge of basic rules of badminton by verbal communication and demonstration.
4. Students will be able to understand and apply rules of badminton.
5. Students will know basic strategies/tactics for singles play.
6. Students will be able to display sportsmanship and values of fair play, communicate with others, be a good player, and display a positive attitude.