SPECIALS CURRICULUM
(Kdg - 5th Grade Curriculum .pdf)

Art
Formal art instruction begins in kindergarten with hourly lessons, once a week. The teachers work with students to develop a fundamental appreciation for visual art and provide a variety of experiences exploring art forms, techniques, and materials for their own sake and integrated with content subjects.

Grades K-2:
• recognize art forms in a variety of world cultures;
• perform and control basic techniques to create art;
• analyze their own thinking about creating, producing, and the meaning of art;
• respect and support work produced by themselves and others;
• recognize the originality of their own visual expression and the artwork of others.

Grades 3-5:
• recognize the role art plays in reflecting and recording history and cultures;
• develop manipulative and organizational skills in using arts media effectively to translate ideas, feelings, and values;
• use basic physical, perceptual, imaginative, creative , and problem-solving skills to produce in the arts;
• identify and use art vocabulary;
• be confident in their ability to be creative;

All students participate in an art appreciation program, Picture Parents, in partnership with Midland Center for the Arts. Other opportunities exist for students with special interest or talent in the visual arts including after school clubs, competitions, mentoring.

Music
Students have weekly instruction in general music and in Pianorama, a keyboard lab. Group recorder lessons are included for grades 3-5. Band is an elective at grade 5. There are numerous extra-curricular opportunities for music participation including choirs, steel drum band, strings and handchimes.

Foreign Language
Students in grades K-5 receive instruction in Spanish once a week. Students learn to communicate in a non-native language and gain an appreciation of other cultures.

Physical Education
The elementary physical education curriculum focuses on the development of basic motor skills, specific sports-related skills, fitness concepts, and social skills. Students meet with the physical education teacher at least weekly and have an opportunity for physical activity during daily recess periods. A walking/jogging track and fitness stations are available on the playground.

Basic Motor Skills, Grades K-5
Dribbling, Rolling, Catching, Jumping Rope, Kicking, Striking, Throwing, Galloping, Hopping, Jumping, Leaping, Running, Skipping, Sliding, Tumbling, Walking

Cognitive Skills and Fitness Concepts
Task analysis, Rules and Structure of Games, Safety and Injury Prevention, Health Benefits

Technology
All classrooms are equipped with computers. Students attend the computer lab on a weekly basis where they develop the skills outlined in the district technology curriculum. As their skills increase, students are given many opportunities to generate projects using technology; they also learn to use the Internet as an information resource. Software that extends learning, reinforces basic skills, and develops thinking and problem-solving abilities is also provided. Laptops are available for use by students in a class setting.

Media Center
The Media Center is another source for research, independent study and instruction work support. All students visit the Media Center weekly with their class to learn library skills, hear stories and select personal reading.

Students are encouraged to participate in the Accelerated Reading and Accelerated Math programs. Reading is Fundamental holds theme-based high-interest book days throughout the year. Battle of the Books is an optional team competition activity for grades 4 and 5.