Lower School Specials

ART
Grades K-3:  The art program for grades 1  through 3 focuses on three major domains of learning:  The cognitive, affective and psychomotor.  Students begin to learn about the elements and principles of art and apply their knowledge to the development of creative works related to their natural and learning environment.  Students develop decision-making skills through observation, discussion and exploration of a variety of materials and techniques.  Good social habits are reinforced through the development of an awareness and respect for the achievement of others.  Sharing and caring for art materials develops values and the concept of community.  Fine motor skills and sensory perceptions are developed through many different techniques, including cutting assembling drawing, painting and a variety of spatial experiences.  Vocabulary is a continuous part of every lesson as is the presentation of works or art, fully enhanced by the use of the Smart Board.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
EC3-K: The physical education program for EC3 through Kindergarten focuses on the development of motor skills and movement concepts and introduction of physical activity for fun, enjoyment and health. Motor skills include locomotor skills (e.g., running, walking, skipping, hopping, jumping, etc.), non-locomotor skills (e.g., bending, stretching, etc.), and manipulative skills (throwing, catching, striking). The main units are hoola hoop, bean bag, parachute, and ball activities. Gymnastics and movements encompass a large part of their physical education.

Grades 1-3: The physical education program for Grades 1 - 3 continues to develop motor skills and movement concepts that will enable the student to learn to enjoy physical activity and enhance future participation in recreational lifetime activities. Motor skills include locomotor skills (e.g., run, walk, skip, hop, jump, etc.), non-locomotor skills (e.g., bend, stretch, etc.), and manipulative skills (throw, catch, strike). Movement concepts include spatial awareness (location, direction, levels), body awareness (body recognition etc.), effort (time, force, flow) and relationships (with objects and with others). Students will recognize the connections to personal health and well-being through classroom activities.

MUSIC
Hillel Day School’s music program incorporates hearing, feeling, creating, sharing, reading and playing. The music program gives students an opportunity to explore and develop their music abilities. The music curriculum focuses on developing musical awareness and understanding through singing and ear training, rhythmic activities and movement, recorder instruction, creative activities, musical notation and classical composers.  The goal is for enjoyment and growth in all of their musical endeavors. Understanding the elements of music, such as melody, harmony, rhythm and pitch is included in all grade level lessons.

In the early childhood program, children will be introduced to the concept of a steady beat, rhythmic patterns using hand clapping, percussion instruments, pitch, tempo and active listening.

The music curriculum is intended to help students develop understanding and appreciation of music, as well as practical skills, so that they will be able to find in music a lifelong source of enjoyment and personal satisfaction. It is well documented that the intellectual and emotional development of children is enhanced through the study of music.

An interesting and challenging program in music not only develops practical artistic skills, but also enables students to sharpen their ability to reason and to think critically. A balanced music program is offered – one that includes both listening and music making and that appeals to a wide variety of students.

Children will learn to love music and to experience it in the context of a rich and varied curriculum. Students in grades 1-3 will develop their musical knowledge and skills through listening to music, playing rhythm instruments using basic elements of music, and exploring repertoire from a variety of cultures. 

Grade 1: They will begin to develop their ability to sing, learn about pitch, beat, tempo, and dynamics, and experiment with sound.
Grade 2: They will continue to sing, and will also learn to use patterns of sound. They will also learn about the various instruments of the orchestra and families of the orchestra.
Grade 3:  Students will be introduced to the recorder and utilize the understanding of musical notation as well as the basic elements of recorder technique and performance skills. Students will learn how to use and care for the recorder properly, and will develop the ability to work with others in an ensemble. 

TECHNOLOGY
K-3: Students attend computer class each week. In addition, there are computers in each classroom, as well as a SmartBoard. Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Students learn to demonstrate basic operations and concepts involving computer applications, hardware, and/or software.  They learn to use and control a mouse, launch and quit applications and documents and begin to demonstrate good form and accuracy in keyboarding.  The students use word processing, desktop publishing, problem-solving, logical, and critical thinking software programs.