Notes from Mrs. Scanlan . . .
Before class begins we gather in the rug area for "circle time" or time to discuss how our day is going. It's a great a practice because it gives students time to take a breath before class begins and think about their role in our classroom community. Most of the time our brief discussions begin by reviewing our class agreements the students created the first week of school. The agreements include:
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Attentive Listening
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Appreciation/no put-downs
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The right to pass (delay an answer until later) during circle time
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Mutual respect for each other
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Respect for classroom and school property
World Art: The Art of Africa
Art of Mexico
Our focus this year, with all of the art students, is World Art as seen in the way in which people express their cultural indentity through storytelling and art. Through the use of music, relective dance, cultural artifacts, picture books, writing, and art reproductions, students will take an active role in sharing what they've learned throughout our cultural journey. They will express what they've learned in the work they produce, the stories they create and the questions they explore during community gatherings before and during our travels.
