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All students at Grace Episcopal School attend music/performing arts classes twice a week, and library and religion classes once a week. Spanish instruction begins in Junior Kindergarten and computer/technology classes begin in Kindergarten. Children in Grades One through Five also attend a studio art class once a week and physical education classes twice a week. Kindergarten students, as well as students in the Early Childhood program, have physical education (movement) and art regularly with their class teachers. All Grace Episcopal School students attend chapel every week. The art education enrichment program for the elementary grades is designed to lead students to explore the basic design elements: line, texture, shape, space, color and value. Students do drawing assignments using comics and flat shapes from nature, such as leaves. This allows the students to begin training their eyes to see more detail, and to observe carefully the models they use to draw from, stressing line and shape. Shape recognition is emphasized. Students are also introduced to shading and shadows. This involves an awareness of the importance of light and its influence on what we see. The concept of space is introduced. What happens when we put one object in front of another? How do we draw an object further away in distance from another? We discuss foreground, middle ground, and background, using examples from notable paintings. Visual texture is emphasized. We look at the subtle intricacies of various surfaces, focusing on describing the inherent textures in the drawings. We address the concept of composition, an element of art that is very important, no matter what the medium. Learning to organize objects within a given space also helps the student to organize his or her thoughts, and is helpful in other subjects as well. As much as possible, we use objects from nature in our art lessons. We can learn a great deal by observing God’s own hand in creation – not only about Creation, but also about God and His provision. For instance, in looking at a leaf we see how the multitude of veins provides perfect circulation for the flow of nutrients to every part of the leaf. Also included in the art program is the exploration of various media: printmaking, scratchboard, weaving, modeling, clay, sewing and stitchery, papier-mache, collage and assemblage sculpture. We also use watercolor, tempera and acrylic paints, crayons, colored pencils and markers. Creativity and imagination are encouraged in all assignments during the year. Every student is introduced to, and practices, drawing the basic geometric solids. By Grade Five, each student is expected to be able to draw a sphere, cube, rectangular prism, cone, cylinder and pyramid. Other concepts explored are positive and negative space. This is done with scissors, paper and glue. We explore illuminated manuscripts, where the objective is to design one’s own illuminated letters. We also make paper reliefs and have fun with various crafts which emphasize problem-solving and design technique. Repetition, rhythm and balance are also explored as we occasionally draw or paint to music. Finally, the Art teacher works closely with the classroom teachers in Grades One through Five to integrate core subjects into the art curriculum. Computers and technology Technology and computer instruction begins in Kindergarten, with students receiving keyboarding, computer and Internet skill training. Computer enrichment instruction focuses upon teaching computer literacy. A variety of software products and multi-media tools are utilized to enhance keyboarding and help children learn how to navigate software programs. Grade appropriate educational software programs complement the core curriculum, especially in the development of language arts. In addition to classroom desktop computers that are always available for research and keyboarding skills, our students have the benefit of a state-of-the-art mobile, wireless computer lab. This allows each student to use a laptop during computer instruction. Every classroom at Grace Episcopal School is wired for internet technology. Foreign Language - Spanish Spanish instruction is introduced in Junior Kindergarten. As children move into the Elementary Grades, Spanish is taught with an emphasis on conversation, exposing the students to a variety of vocabulary and adding a playful approach through games, drawings and songs. Common greetings and expressions are utilized in every class. Vocabulary covers number groups, colors, days of the week, months of the year, seasons, weather, family, food, animals, body parts, sports, clothing, classroom objects and classroom commands, and holidays. Spanish culture and geography are incorporated into the lessons. As students progress, conjugation of verbs and other grammar classifications are introduced. Gender, subject pronouns, and other derivatives are taught. The texts/materials used for Spanish are EMC’s Exploring Spanish and Exploring Spanish Activity Book for Grades Four and Five. For Junior Kindergarten through Grade Three a wide variety of activity books are used, including Spanish for Children, Discovering Languages: Spanish, and Music that Teaches Spanish, as well as various illustrated Spanish children’s books. Library instruction focuses primarily on age-appropriate literature appreciation and storytelling. Library resource skills are taught and coordinated with classroom teachers for cross curriculum projects. Our extensive lending library allows children in Kindergarten through Grade Five to check out books weekly. In addition, there is a video and software CD Rom library. With the support of our parents, the school conducts an annual book buying program that provides new and current titles to our collection. Grace Episcopal School is also an active participant in the Virginia Reader’s Choice program in both the primary (K-3) and elementary (3-5) book levels. In addition, under the guidance of our librarian, the students in Grades 5 write, edit, and publish the Grace Times student newspaper. Music/Performing Arts Singing, playing instruments, movement, and drama are the foundations of the music and performing arts program. Singing and movement are the primary focus with the youngest students. Songs that stay within a limited range help them to sing in tune. At this age, movement is an important element as it encourages them to be comfortable in their bodies, and allows them to experience rhythm and beat internally. Instrumental work is also begun, utilizing our extensive collection of Orff instruments. Finally, poetry and stories are used as a springboard for dramatic activities, providing an outlet for creative expression. As the children get older, the songs become more complex. Kindergartners learn about musical instruments and their families. In Grades One through Five, children learn to identify simple rhythms, pitch, staff notes, and engage in active listening exercises. Singing in tune continues to be emphasized, and the drama component expands to include more improvisational opportunities. Kindergarten and Grade One students learn to play a simple drone on the Orff instruments and can accompany themselves while singing. Second Grade students learn to play three note melodies and continue with a simple drone. By Third Grade, children are taught to read music, and instruction begins on the recorder. By Grade Four, students begin to compose music and continue their work on the recorder, adding more and more notes to their repertoire. Grade Five students continue to play melodies on the recorder and expand their musical repertoire. More complex melodies and accompaniments are learned on the Orff instruments. Fourth and Fifth graders are also called upon to accompany the singing of the younger children for special programs. The children participate in two annual performances, one at Christmas and one in the Spring. Performing is an important element in the music and performing arts program at Grace Episcopal School. It provides children with goals to work towards and gives them the self esteem of accomplishment in front of an audience of family and friends. Different kinds of music are incorporated into these programs: American folk, religious, classical, popular, Native American, and music from other cultures. Exposure to the widest possible variety of musical traditions teaches children not only the fundamentals of music but also tolerance and acceptance of differing cultures. The children also perform short dramatic readings and skits as part of these productions. In addition to learning skills, having fun is an important part of the music and drama learning process. Children learn music more effectively if there is a sense of joy and happiness in musical activities. Therefore an essential part of the program is to nurture each student, no matter what his or her level of talent. Every child has something of value to contribute. The music program at Grace gives each child an opportunity to feel that they are part of an ensemble – something larger than themselves. The physical education program at Grace Episcopal School focuses on teaching children developmentally appropriate skills which enhance gross motor muscle articulation. These skills are used as a basis for teaching a variety of sports which the children may go on to play competitively at a later time and in a different setting, such as recreation leagues and middle and upper school varsity and intramural programs. Physical education begins in the early childhood program with creative movement, and then sequentially develops motor skills gradually through appropriate exercises and cooperative games throughout the grades. Fitness testing culminates the grade school year. The physical education program also helps to develop each child’s self-confidence as skills are mastered. Teamwork, cooperation and sportsmanship are concepts stressed daily. Each child is taught to respect himself/herself as well as other children without regard to skill level. Emphasis is placed upon good sportsmanship and fair play. In Grades One and Two the physical education program concentrates on locomotor movements, eye-hand coordination, jumping and landing, cardiovascular/aerobic exercise and sports and games. In Grades Three, Four and Five long distance running, rope skills, strength exercises and more complex sports (such as lacrosse, basketball, softball and floor hockey) are added to the curriculum. In addition to the development of gross motor skills and increased fitness levels, there is an emphasis placed on more cognitive skills. These include a general knowledge of safety rules, realization of the importance of proper warm-up and cool-down techniques as well as understanding the concepts of good sportsmanship and acceptable behavior when playing games. Grace Episcopal School is an active participant in the President’s Council on Physical Fitness. Religion, Character Development, and Community Service Spiritual values and moral standards are reinforced throughout our curriculum. All students attend weekly chapel services led by the clergy at Grace Episcopal Church. Our Fifth Grade students take an active role in these service as readers, ushers and acolytes. The historic church building, itself, provides a rich resource for the study of Christian stories, symbols, art, and history. Parents and siblings are encouraged to attend our weekly chapel services. A Christ-centered, value-focused education program is the foundation of our weekly religion classes, helping students begin to understand their personal relationship with God. In the early childhood program, Bible stories are used to talk about values. Songs, fingerplays, felt boards, Jesse Trees and other age appropriate manipulatives are used to round out religious instruction. A character-focused education program provides the foundation for religion classes in the Elementary Grades. For Grades One through Three, the “One Room Sunday School” curriculum is used. Through the use of biblical and other stories students begin to understand their personal relationships with God and with each other. They develop an understanding of the Bible as the foundation of Christian values; discover twenty-first century applications of Biblical themes; explore additional sources of religious inspiration; and relate religion to basic character traits which are emphasized school-wide. Grace Episcopal School students take responsibility for their own studies and character development. Students contribute positively to the experience of all others in the school. Our students learn that good character comes from daily acts of honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, and courage. All classes participate in community service activities. Elementary students prepare brown bag lunches for local shelters, and students are encouraged to participate in monthly canned food collections in chapel. Students organize Christmas donations to local families in need and participate in a Mini-Walk for the Homeless. Working with the Grace Episcopal School Parents Association, students also help prepare dinners for the Carpenters Shelter. Throughout the year, students also entertain residents of local nursing and retirement homes. After School Enrichment Activities After school enrichment classes and clubs are offered to our students on a trimester basis. These offerings can include science, art, cooking, board games, drama, Spanish, and computer.
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