Connects Classes
The standard course of study is augmented by Connects classes, explorations in the fine arts and physical education. Instructional content is thematically woven with grade-level instructional units and provides students with an outlet for creative and physical expression. Connect classes for Kindergarten through 5th grade include Visual Arts, music, physical education., and theater.
The Arts
In the Basic School model, students explore various fields of knowledge within a framework called the Core Commonalities. These eight tenets are based on shared human experience and integrate subjects in a way that helps students see connections across the disciplines and in their lives. This includes responses to the fine arts, the instructional core of Pioneer Springs's Connects classes. Music, Drama, Dance, and Visual Arts offer opportunities for students to respond to the universal experience of Art.
Music
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Music is integrated in many different ways at PSCS- classroom teachers use song as part of their daily rituals, both to focus and transition students throughout the instructional day, as well as a means of celebration, from dance parties to birthday songs to the loss of a tooth. In addition, students participate in a weekly music class through which they sing, play instruments, move, listen, compose and improvise. Music classes at PSCS address grade specific essential standards often through collaborative, project-based experiences (think creating a musical performance based off of a newly invented notation system). Music teacher, Ms. Gwen, hopes her students will develop a lasting love, understanding and appreciation of music as well as benefit from important life skills that a comprehensive music education can help foster, including cooperation, creativity, self-esteem, critical-thinking, self-discipline and self-motivation.
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Drama
PSCS drama classes are intended to expose students to the formal study of theater, both through consideration of plays and playwrights as well as through the creation and production of their own ideas. Students discover that drama, like art and music, is a significant human experience woven through history and across cultures.
Visual Art
Art and the creative exploration of core curriculum are an essential part of every student’s daily experience at Pioneer Springs. In addition, each student participates in weekly Art Connect Classes, which are thematically tied to each grade’s units of study. PSCS art teacher Susan Montague is fond of saying, “artists are people who see things in a new way.” To that end, and in keeping with our mission, natural, recycled, and upcycled materials are often utilized.
Art instruction at Pioneer Springs is always process-oriented, with the emphasis on the journey of each project. This approach allows students to make their own discoveries, promotes higher-level thinking, and develops innovation, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Art projects are often open-ended, meaning the finished product is not modeled for students, but instead materials are provided that can be used in a variety of ways. At the close of a project, students are encouraged to evaluate their own work, participating in teacher-facilitated reflections.
Art instruction at Pioneer Springs is always process-oriented, with the emphasis on the journey of each project. This approach allows students to make their own discoveries, promotes higher-level thinking, and develops innovation, imagination, and problem-solving skills. Art projects are often open-ended, meaning the finished product is not modeled for students, but instead materials are provided that can be used in a variety of ways. At the close of a project, students are encouraged to evaluate their own work, participating in teacher-facilitated reflections.
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Physical EducationP.E. at PSCS takes a non-traditional approach to introducing all students to grade specific essential standards for physical health. Using elements such as obstacle courses and team assignments PE teaches collaboration, team work and the appreciation of difference. Working together students find and make connections, learning one another’s strengths and gifts. Just as in the classrooms there is a P.E. promise, a commitment to respecting others, the equipment and the environment. The promise includes honoring personal space and a commitment to having fun. P.E. takes place outside in the full range of Carolina weather.
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