CCES Special Areas Newsletter
October Art, Music and PE Updates
Art with Mrs. Steffensen
We’re always looking for new ways of doing things in the Art Room. First graders had a chance to use Plickers recently. These images are scanned by an iPad using the Plickers app. Students had to decide which way to hold their Plickers so that the correct answer would be at the top. It was a fun and challenging way to discuss the texture, form and color of our pumpkins.
Speaking of pumpkins, they are the basis for our still life drawings this month in First, Third, and Fifth grades. Kindergartners are drawing a special personal memory, being sure to add clues that will help to tell their story. Second graders are illustrating a metaphor. We are especially enjoying the humor in this lesson and guessing each other’s metaphors. Third graders recently spent an Art class studying and discussing several art work reproductions and photographs of sculptures. This critique was an excellent means to discuss our opinions about Art, which can never be wrong. Fourth and Fifth graders are finishing their painted artworks using tints and shades of a chosen color to create value and make a flat surface appear to be a form instead of a shape.
Our completed artworks will soon be on the way to Artome, where they will be framed in preparation for our upcoming Night of the Arts on Tuesday, December 6th. More information coming soon!
Music with Mr. DeStefano
Over the last month, we have continued to focus on Beat and Rhythm in the music room. Highlights include:
4th and 5th grade learning a body percussion piece based on the rhyme "Thirty Days Has September," then using their own birthdays as rhythm frameworks for body percussion and recorder composition.
2nd graders matching animal names with rhythm patterns, then playing instruments to accompany a rhyme about the zoo.
1st graders discovering the rhythmic qualities of the books Tiki Tiki Tembo and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Kindergarteners learning the Apple Tree song, beginning to read music rhythms and exploring creative possibilities with drums (apples) and sticks (trees).
3rd Graders have been working on music for their concert that will take place on November 1st at 6:30 PM. The concert is based on the book In November by Cynthia Rylant. We can't wait to share our music with you and kick off the holiday season.
Chorus and Orff Ensemble are busy getting ready for our performance at Evening of the Arts on December 6th. More information will be in the next newsletter.
Physical Education with Mr. Abel and Mr. Sylvester
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Hello CCES families, we just finished up two great units in Physical Education. 3-5th grades learned the overhand throw and the many games and activities associated with that skill. In grades K-2 students were taught how to catch and perform an underhand toss. For the next few weeks we will be working on basic soccer skills of dribbling, passing, kicking, and punting and a fun game called sideline soccer.
In November we will be focusing on striking skills which includes Volleyball for grades 3-5 and balloon activities for K-2.
WELLNESS TIP OF THE MONTH: Cooler temperatures are no excuse to let your health and wellness fall by the wayside. In fact, fall is the perfect time to take advantage of some of the highlights of the season, from incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet to kicking your fitness routine up a notch with fall-friendly activities.