Connections

Please consider submitting something to Karen Hansen for the March issue of CONNECTIONS. Keep in mind that this publication goes to EVERY household in the Puyallup School District. See the recent request from PSD Teamwork:

MARCH CONNECTIONS DEADLINE - Friday, February 3, 2006
The deadline to submit stories and/or photos for the March issue of Connections is Friday, February 3, 2006. The theme for this issue is music and the arts, however all story and photo ideas are welcome. Photos and articles can be sent by e-mail or via courier to ESC, Attn. Karen Hansen. Please identify individuals in the photos from left to right, the name of the individual who took the photograph, and a contact number where you can be reached for additional information. Also, please specify if you would like the photos returned.

Integrating Art and Mathematics

Elementary Arts Network members have challenged each other to focus on the art element "line" between now and our next meeting February 1, 2006.

Line: A line is defined as a mark with length and direction, created by a point that moves across a surface. A line can vary in length, width, direction, curvature, and color. Line can be two-dimensional (a pencil line on paper), three dimensional (wire), or implied.

In addition, we'd like to demonstrate how the arts can influence learning in other academic content areas and how they can combine with other subjects to build integrated curricula. Therefore, we'd like to see what happens when math and art meet. Post your lesson examples for integrated math and art. Share whatever you have in words or pitctures.

Take a look at the article, "Integrating Art and Mathematics" from the website for North Texas Institute for Educators on the Visual Arts. Click here for a link to the article. Consider adding your comment to this blog after reading the article.

Elementary Arts Network Begins!

Seven of us gathered at Karshner Museum Wednesday to RE-create the PSD Elementary Arts Network. Participants included:

Lisa Berry, Fruitland Principal

Sara MCormick, Firgrove - 2nd grade

Teri Cranston, Fruitland - 2nd grade

Beth Kamerer, Pope - 3rd grade

Ginger Liebl, Riverside - 6th grade

JoAnn Noel, Spinning - 2nd grade

Brian Fox, Student Learning Director

What a great start! We talked a bit about Washington State Arts EALRs and upcoming Classroom-based assessments. However, we spent most of our time discussing the challenge of finding time for quality art instruction and the need for integration of art activities within other content areas. For example:

- this fall at Spinning, JoAnn has taught a lesson on pattern and shape using the story "Animals Hiding" from the 2nd-grade Open Court reading series. Her students worked on drawings of animals using camouflage in their habitat.

- at Firgrove, Sara led her students in an origami project to follow-up on a 2nd-grade Open Court story called, "Paper Cranes."

- at Fruitland, Teri followed the Open Court story, "Tomas" with a scratched leaf art project.

- Ginger had students complete a drawing of the water cycle following a 6th-grade science lesson at Riverside.

- at Pope, Beth has found a way to adjust her Monday morning routine, thus providing 30 minutes of actual art instruction. She uses this time to teach concepts of art (such as line, shape, and form) then allows students to work on projects related to social studies and literacy topics throughout the week.

We look forward to using the PSD Art Blog to share more lessons with each other and anyone else interested. Take pictures with a digital camera and share them on this blog, or just write up a few sentences about a successful art lesson you've completed - especially if your lesson is interdisciplinary.

We look forward to having fellow members of the PSD Elementary Arts Network join us for our next meeting (2nd out of three this year!) on February 1, 2006!

The Arts Are Essential

"The Arts are an essential part of public education.

From dance and music to theatre and the visual arts,

the arts give children a unique means of expression,

capturing their passions and emotions, and allowing

them to explore new ideas, subject matter, and

cultures. The Arts bring us joy in every aspect of our lives.

Arts education not only enhances students' understanding

of the world around them, but it also broadens their

perspective on traditional academics. The arts give us the

creativity to express ourselves, while challenging our intellect.

The arts integrate life and learning for all students

and are integral in the development of the whole person.

The Arts communicate and speak to us in ways

that teach literacy and enhance our lives.

We must continue to find a place for arts programs

and partnerships, not only for what it teaches

students about art, but for what it teaches us all

about the world we live in."

Dr. Terry Bergeson

Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction