A Commitment to the Arts
As part of Atlas' whole-child approach to education, we believe that Visual and Performing Arts are an essential part of the elementary school experience.
Atlas students participate in Visual and Performing Arts classes every day! We know that students learn best when they are excited about what they're learning and when the material feels relevant to them. That's why our Visual and Performing Arts Teachers not only teach classes in their subject area, but push into general classrooms as well. Having an extra teacher in each classroom not only provides greater flexibility in supporting students' individual learning needs, it also allows us to intentionally integrate art and music across the curriculum. For example, when Kindergarten students study trees and living things, they explore and create their own artwork all about trees.
Participating in Visual and Performing Arts helps students think creatively, which allows them to see the world in new, innovative ways. Not to mention, providing students with additional opportunities to connect the arts with their daily studies can also be a powerful tool in improving social skills and self-esteem.
Art
We believe the arts are vitally important for educating students to be good thinkers. Ms. Carolyn empowers her students to believe that all kids are artists and all ideas are good ones! Art classes at Atlas revolve around the choice-based concept called Teaching Artistic Behavior (TAB). TAB allows students to take ownership of their art experiences from conception to completion, with the teacher acting as facilitator. Along with this, art students at Atlas are introduced to the eight Studio Habits of Mind, which describe the thought process that students should naturally develop in their creativity. These habits include: Develop Craft, Engage & Persist, Envision, Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch & Explore, Understand Art Worlds.
Music
Introducing children to the study of music from an early age can be an incredibly powerful tool in stimulating brain development, increasing human connection, integration of different subjects, learning discipline, and stress relief. Ms. Mitchell offers a unique experience to her Music students with a blend of two educational concepts: the Kodaly Method and the Orff Approach. The interactive, collaborative, and highly kinesthetic Kodály method of learning music combines several powerful techniques for developing the core skills of musicianship. In Orff Schulwerk classrooms, children begin with what they do instinctively: play! Imitation, experimentation, and personal expression occur naturally as students become confident, life-long musicians, and creative problem solvers.