For the past three classes in the Art Studio, Kindergarten artists have been exploring the concept of radial balance. We began by learning the definition of radial balance, which is any type of balance based on a circle with its design extending from center. We looked at a range of examples: a star, the iris in our eyes, a wheel with spokes, a mandala, a rose window, and a daisy flower are all examples of radial balance. We used words such as symmetry and asymmetry to describe the examples we looked at.

Students then created their own radial designs using pencil first, starting by drawing shapes in the center and then radiating outward with more shapes or lines. Students had the option to use shape stencils to assist in creating their design. Once their design was complete with pencil, each artist traced their design in black sharpie to create a bolder image. For the last step, color was added using crayons, sharpies, neon paint, and finally sparkly gems for extra pizzazz! Emphasis, balance, symmetry, color, contrast, space, and value were the elements and principles of art touched upon in this lesson.

The Extended Day students participated in a T-ball unit this month.  Students learned how to run the bases and how to hold a wiffle ball. In addition, they learned how to throw and receive a ball as well as batting off a tee.  Throwing a ball is not just physical, it is also cognitive. A child has to plan how much force to put in each toss, where to aim to keep the ball from going too high or low, and when to release.  T-ball helps students to listen as a group, get along with peers, learn how to take turns, and perform independently when needed.  The benefits of T-ball include:  improved balance, coordination, strength and stamina, motor skill development, social skills development, improved self-confidence, and sportsmanship.

In Art class, second and third year students looked at images of the beautiful 12th century Notre Dame cathedral and reflected on the devastating fire that ravaged the cathedral on April 15th. In honor of Notre Dame, students learned about the magnificent architecture and lively gargoyle statues that stand throughout the exterior of the cathedral. We learned that a gargoyle is a carved or sculpted mythical figure, usually designed with a spout of some sort that carries water away from the building. Not only are they designed to redirect rainwater, but they also have a symbolic purpose to keep evil spirits away from the church.

While looking at gargoyle images, students pointed out the various characteristics a gargoyle has, such as wings, horns, beaks, claws, and more. Each student was asked to design their own gargoyle that combined multiple features of different types of animals and creatures. After choosing their final sketch, students were given air hardening clay to sculpt their gargoyle. We began by forming the body shape, then attached the body part such as wings, horns, claws, and facial features using the “scratch and attach” clay technique. Once the gargoyles dried, they were given a quick coat of black and gray spray paint to give them a stone-like effect. Each gargoyle is unique and full of personality! We were so happy to make something in honor of the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral!

The students in Mrs. Carroll’s class are enjoying a pinwheel of colors in French class. We reviewed most of the colors we have learned this year. The trick was to turn the wheel softly (doucement!) Everyone wanted to have a turn and we also  worked with animals (l’éléphant, le crocodile, le chat, le chien, la poule, etc…) trying to put a tail on each of them! When we had the correct tail, the students would say:”c’est juste!” (it’s right!) and when the tail was wrong, these children would scream: “c’est pas juste!” (it’s not right!) As usual, teaching these younger children is always done in the form of a game to keep their interests alive. This is always a challenge and I enjoy playing these games learning  with all of them.