Middle school students have been exploring the element of line in art class. As a group, we discussed how a line can create an identifiable path for the eye to follow by defining the edges of a form (an outline). The technical term for this is called “contour line drawing.” To practice this firsthand, students drew blind contour portraits of themselves and each other. The blind contour method involves carefully observing a subject and slowly recording it’s contours with a continuous line without looking at the paper. This way of drawing helps develop hand-eye communication and spatial relationships. It can be a challenge to draw what you see without looking at the paper, but each student embraced the process and allowed themselves to let go of perfection. The results were beautiful, abstract line portraits with a twist of humor 🙂

We then looked at the wire portraits of American artist Alexander Calder, who developed an innovative method of sculpting, bending, and twisting wire to create three-dimensional “drawings in space.” Each student created their own unique “drawing in space ” by following the lines of their blind contour drawing with wire. To stabilize and display the wire portraits, we attached them to colorfully painted wooden bases using a staple gun. They will be on display for the whole school to see next week!

This month, the Primary students are enjoying an obstacle course comprised of gymnastics mats and a balance beam.  They are practicing many skills. They are climbing up and down from mats, jumping off the mats, crawling under a bridge, performing a forward roll on an inclined mat, walking on a balance beam, and running the moving train around the gym. We cool down with fitness exercises and stretches at the end of each class. Throughout our gymnastics unit, the children are enhancing their social skills, developing strength and coordination, and gaining self-esteem and confidence.

During each class, the children practice learning skills. We practice observing,  waiting our turn and following directions.  Improving all of these skill areas is helpful for those children still learning how their bodies move. Our lessons help them become more comfortable and happy with themselves as they continue to grow.

The fifth year students started this new adventure in World Language creating a family tree entirely in French. We looked at all the members of a fictitious family from the grandfather to the last littlest member, the baby! Both grandfather and baby had the same name to facilitate recognition.
We also worked on vocabulary using verbal games such “Simon Says” and other bingo games using action verbs. These verbs will be used throughout the year in order to continue our exploration of the French language. This month of September has been interesting for everyone! What a great start to the school year!