Integrated Arts Website
Learning Through Integrated Arts
Connecting Art, Music and Physical Education
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Today is: Tuesday,06 January,2009 03:40:56 AM
Children learn best actively participating in learning activities which involve a wide variety of experiences. Through visual art, music and physical education, the Integrated Arts Program reinforces and expands basic curriculum concepts being taught at Hill-Roberts Elementary School.
By designing and implementing activities which engage the visual, auditory, kinesthetic and perceptual abilities of our students, we hope to provide the opportunity for each student to make real connections among the many seemingly separate parts of their education.
In so doing, Hill-Roberts students will learn to approach problems creatively and to apply abstract concepts in exciting ways both inside and outside the classroom.


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                                                          News from the Gymnasium

     The quest for fitness continues in Hill Roberts Gymnasium!  The children are actively pursuing their optimal level of health fitness in relation to their individual ability.  Activity-based fitness is emphasized rather than fitness through formal exercise/calisthenics.  The students are taught the purpose of exercise, the correct form and the different components of health fitness (cardio-vascular endurance, flexibility, strength and muscle endurance).  These items of health fitness relate to one’s overall state of health.  Classes are designed to meet a child’s need for active participation!  The children in grades 2, 3 & 4 enjoy learning activities such as, “GO-FRONT-BACK”, “FREEWAY”, “I SEE”,  “HI FIVE TRAVEL JUMP ROPE” (just to name a few!) in their search for health fitness.  The skill related fitness items which relate to the possibility of people becoming good athletes are also addressed in our physical education classes. The fitness factors which belong to this group are agility, balance, hand-eye coordination, power, reaction time and speed.  Both groups of fitness are equal in importance.  The children are given the opportunity to participate in a variety of movement experiences to enhance their skill levels.  Some of the learning activities (games) which provide these opportunities for skill enhancement are entitled, “SAVE YOUR HEART”, “COLLECTION OF OXYGEN MOLECULES” & BRIDGE TAG”.  While participation in these learning games are designed to enhance the child’s level of fitness ( both health & skill),  the cognitive idea behind  lessons such as these is,  “Aerobic exercise and a proper diet (one that is low in fat) can prevent or reduce cardio-vascular disease.”  The students are in the process of actively understanding this statement through a total fitness program that emphasizes children enjoying movement!   
     The students in the younger grades are exploring different ways of moving their bodies using both locomotor movements and non-locomotor movements.  They have been introduced to a variety of equipment as they investigate the different aspects of both health and skill fitness.
    As we progress through the school year we will explore other wellness concepts and also touch upon some basic curriculum concepts.   In this interdisciplinary approach, with physical education as the main focus, connections are made to other disciplines such as health, music, art, science, math, social studies, and language arts. The primary focus, however, is always upon physical education concepts, skills, and knowledge.   Whether the students are engaged in learning activities concerning the Human Body, Weather, Habitats or the water cycle, be assured that they are receiving a total fitness program which involves active participation in a wide variety of movement experiences.  Most importantly, the children’s needs are being met in both the areas of health related fitness and sports skills!  Keep those bodies moving!!!                           Mrs. Cardillo  (October, 2008)