The ASM Integrated Arts Program

The ASM Arts program provides students with new ways to learn and create. Emphasis is placed on the process of discovery and the joy of creating. The arts also provide many opportunities for experimentation and problem solving. At ASM, the arts are integrated with classroom curricula. For example, when the children are learning about the Story of the Universe, they might make pastel drawings of their own impressions of the Big Bang. In music, they learn songs such as Amani Utupe to celebrate United Nations Day. Art is also integrated with community service projects. For example, the Upper Elementary classes once made and sold friendship bracelets, scarves, hats, calendars, pastel drawings and a quilt to purchase a vaccine refrigerator for a village in Peru.

ASM’s Integrated Arts Program consists of five areas:

• Visual Arts: The ASM Visual Arts program helps each child to feel confident about himself as an artist. Students are encouraged to express themselves in ways other than with words. They express their own styles and personalities and become increasingly confident and comfortable with themselves as individuals and as artists. Using a great variety of media, students use their art to express ideas, emotions and beliefs. The Art teacher works to observe the children’s interests and tries to incorporate them into the art program whenever possible. The children also learn to respect the work of others. One of the strengths of the program is being able to watch the children gain confidence in themselves and their work.

• Music: The ASM music program fosters a love for music. Students are immersed in music from cultures around the world and it is a part of every major school celebration. At the Children’s House level, music is experienced with songs, games, movement and listening. This continues at the elementary level where students learn to read music with fluency using the Kodaly concept. They also perform and compose songs on Orff instruments and explore movement through dance and improvisation. Older children expand their skills with polyphonic singing and composition.

• Spanish: The ASM Spanish program is designed to enrich our students’ lives and prepare them for active participation in a multilingual global community. Our goal is for each student to have the ability to communicate in a meaningful way and to gain a basic knowledge and appreciation of the cultural heritage of Hispanic people. Spanish instruction begins in Children’s House and continues through Middle School. The four key elements of learning a foreign language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing are adapted to the ages and abilities of the students. Audio-visuals, games, folk-crafts and Spanish foods, incorporated at appropriate levels, enhance the learning experience.

• Physical Education: ASM’s PE program follows the Montessori philosophy by creating an atmosphere of respect and caring in a multi-aged, non-competitive environment. Students learn to use their bodies physically while learning skills through activities and games. They also learn how to demonstrate a positive attitude, show sportsmanship and cooperate with others. This is achieved in a “do your best” environment while also having fun.

• Library Media: The ASM Library Media Program provides instruction and resources for staff and students to access and use information ethically and effectively. A responsive, flexibly scheduled classroom without walls, the Library Media Center houses a unique, curriculum-inspired collection, along with materials to feed personal interests. Close collaboration between the library media specialist and teachers facilitates the development of skills and work habits students need to become independent learners. Visual, textual, cultural and technological 21st century literacies are addressed. Elementary through middle school students have access to a growing array of electronic tools and applications. Love of literature is promoted through library, classroom and community programs. Inquiry and research are supported by the acquisition of skills in context, such as: identifying and using the best print, human or online resources, taking notes, synthesizing information and presenting it in a variety of forms. Opportunities to work alone, with a partner and with a group are provided.