THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES

 

New York State Learning Standards for Visual Arts Education

Standard 1 Creating, performing, and participating in the arts
Standard 2  Knowing and using arts materials and resources
Standard 3 Responding to and analyzing works of art
Standard 4 Understanding the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts

 

Art education is essential to fulfilling the potential of the whole child by fostering intellectual, social, and creative growth. Our elementary program provides opportunities for students to use a large variety of media in an expressive and organized form; respond critically to works of art; and learn about art expression in its social, historical, and cultural context. Students are encouraged to explore different solutions to problems to develop divergent thinking. This skill is fundamental to the creative process. Through art, we are able to teach critical thinking, analysis, and judgment. Art is integrated with other disciplines in the elementary curriculum. Students in grades one to five have art one period each week. 

The elementary art program strives to develop the joy of discovery through art in a nurturing and positive learning environment. We recognize the unique style of each child, and that each child will produce art at his/her own level of development. The curriculum provides experiences to guide students toward a lifetime of appreciation and pleasure through art.

 

Program Goals

To develop each student's potential for artistic expression
To foster a sense of self-confidence, worth, and individuality
To cultivate the imagination
To develop critical thinking, analysis, and aesthetic judgment skills
To recognize and respect diverse artistic, cultural, and historical expressions

 

To accomplish these goals, the elementary program is comprised of developmentally appropriate experiences at each grade level to enable students to understand art, create art, and value art. Children work with a variety of media including paper, crayons, paint, printmaking materials, and clay.

 

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