Curriculum Specials
Art
In grades 1-3, we spend time on art production through line, shape, color, etc. The focus is on elements and principles of design. Classroom time is one hour each week.
In grades 4-5, art is focused on art production centered curriculum. We spend two months in each of the following areas:
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Drawing
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Painting
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Print Making
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Ceramics
We spend one month on sculpture. An important aspect of art class is supporting students as they learn how to articulately describe their work and build confidence in verbally expressing their art. Our art teacher focuses on this throughout all grade levels.
Each spring we host an Art Show where every student has six to twelve pieces of art on display. Art Enrichment is another program we use with grades K-6. Each year a different period of art is brought to life by trained parent volunteers. Students learn about the history, famous artists from the period, and of course, how to experiement themselves with creating the artist's style while incorporating their own personal flair.
Music
The primary goal of music education at St. Bart's is to develop an artistic experience for each child while developing skills according to the nine Standards for music education.
Our music curriculum is based on several learning areas:
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Listening
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Moving
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Speaking
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Singing
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Playing
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Improvising
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Notating music
Students in all grades participate in activities and are assessed in both rhythm and pitch. Music meets twice a week for each grade level K-5. Music is incorporated into other areas such as classroom programs and activities, computer technology, prayer services, and Mass. Students have the opportunity to lead as cantors, instrumentalists, and in the choir for school liturgies.
Students take part in an all-school Christmas program each December. Band is offered to students in grades 4 & 5. Students in grades 3 - 4 learn recorders, grade 5 learns ukueles and performs in a musical in the spring. All students have opportunities to participate in liturgies and concerts.
At St. Bartholomew, we feel strongly that learning through music leads to strong character growth and can lead to a deeper love of learning.
Physical Education
Children in grades K-3 experience Physical Education two days per week for 30 minutes each class period. The classes typically consist of a warm-up, main activity and a cool down. Besides exercise, fun and safety, the students also learn and experience locomotor movements, cooperative, social and health skills and some team sports participation. Hula hoops, rope jumping, volleyball, parachute, and tag games are just some of the activities we have fun with throughout the school year.
The Physical Education experience for children in grades 4 & 5 occurs twice a week for 45 minute class periods. The students will typically begin class with a warm-up activity and/or stretch, followed usually by a fitness focus activity or skills period and concluding often with a team sport and then a cool down. The students enjoy cooperative activities, social and health skills and many different team sports units including, soccer, football, volleyball, gymnastics, basketball, floor hockey, team handball, lacrosse, softball/baseball, ultimate frisbee and many more.
Every May we conclude the year with a fun "Field Day!"
