Westbrook

We believe the continued growth in drama, creative movement, music, and visual art is a basic component of education for all children. We believe the arts provide for the logical, cognitive, creative, and critical thinking skills necessary for children to become successful in a changing society. Through kinesthetic, auditory, and visual means, the fine arts provide a universal symbol system by which children can express ideas and feelings. By developing a global perspective, we celebrate our individual differences and ethnic diversity through a sequential, balanced and comprehensive arts education program.
Visual Arts	The art room at Westbrook provides a non-threatening environment where the children begin to develop their critical thinking skills and experiment in problem-solving within the realm of visual arts. We explore the globe in search of the many similarities and the differences between our own cultures and the cultures of others. The activities in art may be based on the elements and principles of art, a classroom unit, or may just be all about having fun making art and free expression.
Music	Fall 2007 Happenings! Children at Westbrook have such musical potential! They learn to listen, think, and respond creatively using songs, music games, classroom instruments, and movement. Several teaching methods are used in the classroom including Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly. While working together, children are encouraged to express themselves in a safe, comfortable environment. Performances include the all-school December program and grade level performances in the spring. These performances reflect integration with classroom curriculum and include a variety of music from other cultures and times.
Physical Education	Children are born dancers! Dancing promotes agility, flexibility, balance, rhythm, coordination, strength, and endurance. For these reasons, all of the children at Westbrook learn to dance in their physical education classes. Enjoyment and discovery of dance comes first, with small amounts of technique carefully introduced by the teachers. Improvisation, movement games, and dancing out stories or images are also practiced.
Drama	We use stories to enhance students' ability to imagine, to think creatively, to listen, and to organize their thoughts and ideas. Materials in literature, social studies, and science are used so that comprehension improves and interest and enjoyment increases. The program includes reader's theatre, choral speaking, role play, movement, and games.