Curriculum - The Arts

Visual Arts: The visual arts program aims to offer children opportunities for self-expression, creativity, innovative thinking and the development of confidence and pleasure in the creative process. During the Beginners and Kindergarten years, students work with their homeroom teachers using a variety of creative materials. In grades 1 through 6, students work more formally with art teachers to develop basic skills in visualization, observation from nature, design, painting and three-dimensional construction.

Woodworking: The woodworking program begins in Grade 1, where work with paper-making, origami and cardboard helps children learn to visualize three-dimensional forms and to understand how different parts fit together to become a whole. In woodworking shop, students learn to use a variety of tools in safe and effective ways; they work on projects such as pine birdhouses and Kachina dolls.

Drama: The creative approach to drama builds on children's natural inclination to act, to improvise and to express what they are learning about the world. Theater exercises such as improvisation are the core of the creative dramatics experience. Students have the opportunity to explore their creativity as well as to develop their skills in observation, attention, imagination, physical expression, emotional awareness, interpersonal awareness and narrative ability. The program also aims to stimulate and challenge those students already familiar with some aspects of drama. Projects may include original plays, dramatic adaptations of myths or folk and fairy tales, puppet plays, films, scripted plays and plays that grow out of improvised skits. Emphasis is placed on the cooperative process of creating and working toward a goal.

Music: The music program at the Lower School encourages children to find the musicians within themselves. Students become knowledgeable about beat, rhythm and notation through activities such as clapping, tapping and stepping. They are given opportunities to respond to changes in tempo, dynamics, pitch and melodic themes through movement. Good vocal habits are developed through the singing of folk and composed songs, rounds and singing games. Students learn from a variety of musical styles including those from folk and ethnic cultures, as well as composed music from Western traditions. They sharpen their listening and analytical skills through creative movement and dance, illustration, written description, discussion and dramatization. Percussion instruments are used at all levels for accompaniment and to reinforce the concepts of beat and rhythm. All students learn to play the soprano recorder in Fourth Grade and have the opportunity to choose the alto recorder or barred instruments in Fifth Grade. In ensemble experiences, students gain self-discipline, concentration, and appreciation for the process, which carries them from first rehearsal to polished performance. Ensembles include chorus and orchestra for students in grades 3 through 6. The young children also share songs in weekly and special assemblies.

To learn more about the Arts Program at the Lower School, visit the following pages:

Performing Arts - learn more about things like theater productions and singing ensembles
Visual Arts - includes information about programs, including woodworking.
Art Gallery - see images from current students at BB&N.