Hawley Elementary School
Special Area Newsletter
What did my child learn this past January, February, and March!
Sit back and relax as you enjoy a journey through the world of art, music, library media, and physical education!
Art
Donna Perugini and Kim Hossler
Elementary artists have been very busy and working hard on our creations. Here's what happening at each grade level.
Kindergarten
The children finished an art piece, inspired by the book Elmer and used line, shape, pattern and colored pencils to create their own elephants. We have just completed a cut and glue project of a gazing snowman, using our pinkie fingers and white paint for our snow. We will be using underglazes to paint on our greenware pinch pots before they are fired. The next project will be working with hearts, crayons and watercolor resists with a batick technique.
Grade 1
The students created clay cats and we are in the process of painting them. We also studied an artist named Paul Klee. We looked at his painting called the 'The Treehouse' and began drawing our own, using inspiration from the artist. Crayon was layered and we used a bright red orange resist for the sunset in the sky. For our winter theme, we created penguins with personality honing in on our cutting, assembling, fan folding, and
gluing skills.
Grade 2
The second graders worked with ice cream cones...we used them as a value scale in painting with tinting color. Each layer of the ice cream has a different value from the original color to the lightest tint at the top. We also used texture rubbing for the cones, created a holder to stand the cones in along with the background....truly a mixed media project! We are currently working on a watercolor technique called masking using winter pines as our theme. The students are also learning about light source, shading, and shadows cast by the trees. Sponge painting and glitter will enhance our masterpieces.
Grade 3
The grade 3 students enjoyed learning about artists Vincent Van Gogh and had a great discussion regarding his life, work and one of his iconic pieces 'The Starry Night'. Using oil crayons, students had to 'paint like Van Gogh' with quick line and use of movement. This was a difficult feat since they weren't using paint. It gave the students the technique of the line work and layering of color. Students also chose to work with either warm or cool colors. Once the 'Starry Night' was completed, the third graders used a watercolor wash across their oil work. They then worked on incising lines into styrene foam and drew buildings. The foam was cut along the tops for the shapes of the buildings and then they printed their mono-piece onto a warm or cool paper. Lastly, the children cut out their work and added their printed buildings to the bottom of their art piece. We have just completed an initial plaque out of clay and have given it a "beachy" theme imprinting sea shells and creatures into our clay. Our next project involves a painting game called 'Art Teacher Says'.
Grade 4
The fourth graders have studied the meaning of Mandala and where they're from. They were shown many examples of the works of other artists and the colors they used. The students then planned original designs and created their own radial pieces. These pieces were put into laminate, traced with black sharpies and then color work ensued. The finishing touches on these pieces involved backing them with aluminum foil for an amazing effect! The 4th graders are now looking at the work of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt and his 'Tree of Life'. This piece of artwork created engaging conversations with respect to the meaning behind the 'Tree of Life' and what inspired Gustav in his use of symbolism. The students drew their own tree design, keeping with the curls and twisting of branches. We are currently in the painting process. Once this is completed, students will personalize their trees with symbolism and the meaning behind them. The next project for the 4th graders will involve creating Medieval Castles from a clay slab.
Kindergarten
The children finished an art piece, inspired by the book Elmer and used line, shape, pattern and colored pencils to create their own elephants. We have just completed a cut and glue project of a gazing snowman, using our pinkie fingers and white paint for our snow. We will be using underglazes to paint on our greenware pinch pots before they are fired. The next project will be working with hearts, crayons and watercolor resists with a batick technique.
Grade 1
The students created clay cats and we are in the process of painting them. We also studied an artist named Paul Klee. We looked at his painting called the 'The Treehouse' and began drawing our own, using inspiration from the artist. Crayon was layered and we used a bright red orange resist for the sunset in the sky. For our winter theme, we created penguins with personality honing in on our cutting, assembling, fan folding, and
gluing skills.
Grade 2
The second graders worked with ice cream cones...we used them as a value scale in painting with tinting color. Each layer of the ice cream has a different value from the original color to the lightest tint at the top. We also used texture rubbing for the cones, created a holder to stand the cones in along with the background....truly a mixed media project! We are currently working on a watercolor technique called masking using winter pines as our theme. The students are also learning about light source, shading, and shadows cast by the trees. Sponge painting and glitter will enhance our masterpieces.
Grade 3
The grade 3 students enjoyed learning about artists Vincent Van Gogh and had a great discussion regarding his life, work and one of his iconic pieces 'The Starry Night'. Using oil crayons, students had to 'paint like Van Gogh' with quick line and use of movement. This was a difficult feat since they weren't using paint. It gave the students the technique of the line work and layering of color. Students also chose to work with either warm or cool colors. Once the 'Starry Night' was completed, the third graders used a watercolor wash across their oil work. They then worked on incising lines into styrene foam and drew buildings. The foam was cut along the tops for the shapes of the buildings and then they printed their mono-piece onto a warm or cool paper. Lastly, the children cut out their work and added their printed buildings to the bottom of their art piece. We have just completed an initial plaque out of clay and have given it a "beachy" theme imprinting sea shells and creatures into our clay. Our next project involves a painting game called 'Art Teacher Says'.
Grade 4
The fourth graders have studied the meaning of Mandala and where they're from. They were shown many examples of the works of other artists and the colors they used. The students then planned original designs and created their own radial pieces. These pieces were put into laminate, traced with black sharpies and then color work ensued. The finishing touches on these pieces involved backing them with aluminum foil for an amazing effect! The 4th graders are now looking at the work of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt and his 'Tree of Life'. This piece of artwork created engaging conversations with respect to the meaning behind the 'Tree of Life' and what inspired Gustav in his use of symbolism. The students drew their own tree design, keeping with the curls and twisting of branches. We are currently in the painting process. Once this is completed, students will personalize their trees with symbolism and the meaning behind them. The next project for the 4th graders will involve creating Medieval Castles from a clay slab.
Music
Adam Nanavaty
Students at Hawley have been working hard in the music room singing, dancing, and performing on instruments as we explore new and exciting topics. Students in k-2 have been developing their sense of steady beat and rhythm through passing games and movement activities. Students in grade 3 have been reviewing their knowledge of note names on, below, and above the staff through note identification games and instrumental performances. The 4th graders have begun their recorder unit including the proper way to hold the instrument and the fingering for notes B, A, and G.
Library Media
Sara Wasley
In the library we have been having fun exploring amazing books that include titles that have won critical acclaim as well as some that are up for Nutmeg elementary book of the year!
The the third and fourth graders have been working on library media research skills as they tackle big questions like: What would make for the ultimate Super Bowl night? The students are using multiple resources (books, reference websites, school's online subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica) to tackle inquiries such as: What recipes would be best for the big night? What dog breeds would be ideal for the puppy bowl? and What teams would make for a great match on the field? Through research experience like the aforementioned, students are able to hone skills like: finding appropriate source material, citing source material and creating works cited entries to give credit to the author's work.
The second grade students are excited because they have graduated to using laptops and desktops in accessing the school's online card catalog. They no longer have to depend on an adult to assist them with finding books! They can use the computer to search titles, subjects and availability.
In kindergarten and first grade, we are working on call number recognition. This gives the children exposure to all of the various Dewey categories in the library in an effort to expand their reading horizons. It also helps them to begin building an understanding of how a library is organized.
Thank you for your continued support of the library and all of its services and programs.
The the third and fourth graders have been working on library media research skills as they tackle big questions like: What would make for the ultimate Super Bowl night? The students are using multiple resources (books, reference websites, school's online subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica) to tackle inquiries such as: What recipes would be best for the big night? What dog breeds would be ideal for the puppy bowl? and What teams would make for a great match on the field? Through research experience like the aforementioned, students are able to hone skills like: finding appropriate source material, citing source material and creating works cited entries to give credit to the author's work.
The second grade students are excited because they have graduated to using laptops and desktops in accessing the school's online card catalog. They no longer have to depend on an adult to assist them with finding books! They can use the computer to search titles, subjects and availability.
In kindergarten and first grade, we are working on call number recognition. This gives the children exposure to all of the various Dewey categories in the library in an effort to expand their reading horizons. It also helps them to begin building an understanding of how a library is organized.
Thank you for your continued support of the library and all of its services and programs.
Physical Education
Doug Michlovitz and Tony Sortino
please follow us on twitter:
@HawleyPhysED
please follow us on twitter:
@HawleyPhysED
January and February were busy months in physical education class! Shortly after arriving back from the holiday break, the third and fourth graders participated in their mid year physical fitness "check-Ins". The students were re-tested in the PACER and the push-up test to see if they improved their fitness scores from the fall. After reviewing their scores with both Mr. Sortino and Mr. Michlovitz, they set fitness goals for the spring.
All of the 3rd and 4th graders will re-take the Connecticut Physical fitness Assessment in April or May. The test consists of push-ups, sit-ups, sit & reach and the PACER.
The students in grades k-2 worked on a variety of skills including:
Throwing (underhand & overhead)
Catching
Using equipment safely (hoola hoops, bean bags, and scooters)
Cooperative activities
Parachute
In late February and early March, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders participated in our annual Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser. This is a wonderful event that not only helps raise money for an important cause, but also teaches the children the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle!
To learn more about the Jump Rope for Heart program, please visit the link below:
All of the 3rd and 4th graders will re-take the Connecticut Physical fitness Assessment in April or May. The test consists of push-ups, sit-ups, sit & reach and the PACER.
The students in grades k-2 worked on a variety of skills including:
Throwing (underhand & overhead)
Catching
Using equipment safely (hoola hoops, bean bags, and scooters)
Cooperative activities
Parachute
In late February and early March, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders participated in our annual Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser. This is a wonderful event that not only helps raise money for an important cause, but also teaches the children the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle!
To learn more about the Jump Rope for Heart program, please visit the link below: