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All Grace Episcopal School students attend music classes twice a week, and library, religion class and chapel once a week. Spanish instruction begins in Junior Kindergarten. Computer classes begins in Kindergarten. Students in Grades One through Five attend 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. In the early childhood program through Kindergarten, visual arts are incorporated regularly into the curriculum by classroom teachers. Emphasis is on stimulating small motor development - painting, gluing, cutting, applying glitter - while exposing children to various media. At this age, visual arts provide a wonderful opportunity for group cooperative projects. In designing the studio art education enrichment program for the elementary grades, projects are carefully selected which lead the student to explore the basic design elements: line, texture, shape, space, color and value. Students begin with 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. Next, students are 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. What difference does it make when we put the focus of our drawing or painting in the center? The lower right? The upper left? 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-mâché, collage and assemblage sculpture. We also use watercolor, tempera and acrylic paints, chalk pastels, 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 relief's 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. Technology and Computers Technology and computer instruction begins in Kindergarten, with students receiving keyboarding, computer, and Internet skill training. Our wireless, mobile computer lab provides each student with the technological tools necessary for academic success. In addition, classroom computers are available daily to students for research and keyboarding skills. 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. Every classroom at Grace Episcopal School is wired for Internet technology. Children in the early childhood program are exposed to computers on an informal basis - old keyboards are used for playing and exploring in Preschool, and a computer with age appropriate software is available for student use in the Junior Kindergarten classroom. Spanish language instruction begins in Junior Kindergarten. A playful approach is used through games, drawings, and songs, as these stimulate children's interests and motivation. Foreign cultures and geography are also incorporated into the lessons. As students progress, vocabulary and the conjugation of verbs and other grammar classifications are introduced. Gender, first person singular, third person plural, and other derivatives are taught. Library enrichment instruction focuses upon teaching children research and study skills, as well as encouraging young readers to explore the world of children’s literature. With a lending library of more than 5,000 books, magazines and videos, children in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade check books out weekly. In addition, there is an extensive software CD-Rom lending library. Grace Episcopal School also benefits from a large number of “Friends of Grace” reading volunteers who come to school weekly and read stories to the children in their classrooms. We also have a very successful “Birthday Book” program administered by the Parents Association. Our school is an active participant in the Virginia Young Readers Program, in both the primary (K-3) and elementary (3-5) book levels. Students in Grades Four and Five publish the Grace Times student newspaper. Music/Performing Arts Singing, playing instruments, movement, dance 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 instrumental work continues, with the recorder being introduced in the Third Grade. 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 singing. Second Grade students learn to play three note melodies and continue with a simple drone. By Third Grade, children begin to play more complex accompaniment patterns, and instruction begins on the recorder. By Grade Four, students begin to read and compose music. They 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, badminton 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. All children attend chapel weekly. Services are generally student-led Bible stories. In addition, all students benefit from weekly religious instruction. 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 religious classes in Kindergarten. In the elementary grades, biblical and other stories help students begin to understand their personal relationships with God, and with each other. The development of moral standards continues. Community service is an important element in the religious program of Grace Episcopal School. The following materials are used:
After School Enrichment Activities After school enrichment classes and clubs are offered to our students on a trimester basis. These offerings regularly include science, art, cooking, board games, drama, foreign language, and computer. Extended Care Program Extended Care is available for all children enrolled in Grace Episcopal School and is divided into three components: Morning Extended Care (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.); Afternoon “Lunch Bunch” (Noon – 3:15 p.m.) and Evening Extended Care (3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or (3:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Lunch Bunch is available only to Preschool and Junior Kindergarten students. Extended Care options include full-time care, certain-day only care and when space is available, drop-in care. Afternoon Extended Care for children enrolled in the Early Childhood program is primarily free play. We provide a nutritious hot lunch, followed by both indoor and outdoor play, and quiet and active activities. Our staff finds that this is a special time to provide a relaxed atmosphere for the child who spends a majority of his/her waking hours out of the home. Afternoon “Lunch Bunch” includes nap or quiet time. For children in the elementary grades, Evening Extended Care may include homework time, free play, creative dramatics, cooking, table games, outdoor team games and a minimum of 20 minutes devoted to reading. All ages in the Evening Extended Care program receive a nutritious snack. |
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