KINDERGARTEN

2006-2007

ART
KAREN WEISS
COURSE OVERVIEW
The National Art Education Association and the Getty Center for Education in the Arts provide
excellent curriculum guidelines that serve as inspiration for our own SCS visual arts curriculum
plan. Although creating art objects will likely always be at the core of an elementary art
program, art educators are also encouraged to cover the study of aesthetics (living with and
exploring art in everyday life), art criticism (learning how to look at works of art), and art history
(historical and cultural developments). At SCS we recognize and appreciate these national
standards and incorporate them as much and as often as our schedules and time allow. The
kindergarten through eighth grade art curriculum is not predicated on textbook dicta. Therefore,
approaches to these curricular objectives are unique to individual teachers, students, place, and
time. The kindergarten through eighth grade visual arts curriculum stimulates creative problem
solving and builds confidence that imbues other academic and life activities.
Elements common to all lower school art classes are sketchbooks, in-depth projects that often
require research, and the requirement that every child complete his/her artwork. Once during the
lower school art experience, students will have the opportunity to vote on a theme and fully
develop a 17 ft. wall area or another section of the art room. This project will reflect art learning
in art history, imaginative problem solving, and application of art elements and skills. The art
program will also be enriched by special program additions, which could include Artist-in-
Residence workshops, all school curricular theme projects, service-learning experiences,
fieldtrips, and art museum resources.
GRADE LEVEL GALLERY SHOWS
The presentation of student art throughout the year is inspiring to everyone and an important way
to stimulate dialogue in the lower school community. Student artwork will be displayed in the
Lower School art room, hallways, and entrances of SCS. These gallery spaces will be designated
by documentation describing the research, processes, and materials used to create the artwork.
Announcements for the openings of special art displays will be advertised by school office
memos, the PA Communiqué, and on the SCS web site. Student work is displayed or stored at
school until the end of the year. Parents interested in framing student work may contact the art
teacher at any time.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Class observation and participation by parents is welcomed. Parent volunteer help is needed for
the installation and removal of the grade level gallery shows and parents are also encouraged to
share their experiences and special talents in any of the curricular areas. Parents interested in
lower school art volunteer opportunities may contact the art teacher at any time.
THE KINDERGARTEN ART CLASS
Each of the four kindergarten classes meets for one 60-minute art period every week. The
kindergarten art curriculum encourages students to learn and practice observation skills and use
personal experiences as well as imagination as a basis for their art. The students experience a
broad range of art materials and are introduced to and given the opportunity to practice the
correct usage of art tools. During the course of one school year, every effort is made to provide
experiences in the following: architectural design, drawing, three dimensional artwork,
ceramics, collage, mixed media, printmaking, painting, fiber arts, art appreciation, and
interdisciplinary projects.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
The art classroom is a visually stimulating learning environment, which relies upon groups of
students working together in a cooperative and respectful manner. At the beginning of the
school year, students will have the opportunity to suggest, discuss, and decide upon ways in
which the class can accomplish this goal. These class expectations will be posted in the art
classroom. Students who have difficulty meeting class expectations may expect consequences to
their behavior.

EVALUATION
Students are not formally evaluated at the kindergarten level.

COMMUNICATION
Please feel free to leave a voice mail for me at school (574-291-4200, x377), and your call will
be returned as soon as possible. Parents will be called or memos will be mailed home if your
student is not meeting classroom expectations. Memos or personal notes may also be sent home
to celebrate your student’s successes in art class.