THE
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAM OF STUDIES |
New York State Learning Standards for Visual Arts Education
| Standard 1 | Creating, performing, and participating in the arts |
| Standard 2 | Knowing and using arts materials and resources |
| Standard 3 | Responding to and analyzing works of art |
| Standard 4 | Understanding the cultural dimensions and contributions of the arts |
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Art education is essential to fulfilling the potential of the whole child by fostering intellectual, social, and creative growth. Our elementary program provides opportunities for students to use a large variety of media in an expressive and organized form; respond critically to works of art; and learn about art expression in its social, historical, and cultural context. Students are encouraged to explore different solutions to problems to develop divergent thinking. This skill is fundamental to the creative process. Through art, we are able to teach critical thinking, analysis, and judgment. Art is integrated with other disciplines in the elementary curriculum. Students in grades one to five have art one period each week.
The elementary art program strives to develop the joy of discovery through art in a nurturing and positive learning environment. We recognize the unique style of each child, and that each child will produce art at his/her own level of development. The curriculum provides experiences to guide students toward a lifetime of appreciation and pleasure through art.
Program Goals
| To develop each student's potential for artistic expression |
| To foster a sense of self-confidence, worth, and individuality |
| To cultivate the imagination |
| To develop critical thinking, analysis, and aesthetic judgment skills |
| To recognize and respect diverse artistic, cultural, and historical expressions |
To accomplish these goals, the elementary program is comprised of developmentally appropriate experiences at each grade level to enable students to understand art, create art, and value art. Children work with a variety of media including paper, crayons, paint, printmaking materials, and clay.