Washington GT Magnet Elementary School

3-5 Electives

ART IN NATURE
Depicting plant and animal life through a variety of media will be the emphasis of this course. The study of animal and plant life will accompany each project.

ASTOUNDING ARTISTS
Through a study of astounding artists’ lives and works, students will create their own “masterpieces” using a variety of art media and methods. Observing works of art by Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Georges Seurat will enable students to see and understand each artist’s unique style.

CAN YOU BELIEVE YOUR EYES?
The students will work toward an understanding of how the eyes and brain are involved in optical illusions. The students will create their own optical illusions using a wide variety of art media. The students will develop an appreciation of optical illusions as works of art.

CREATIVE COMPUTER ART
This elective will introduce students to the creation of art on the computer. Students will use their imagination and creativity to create artwork that is abstract, realistic, and fun! The use of the art elements, art software, computer and related hardware will help students develop skills to create different projects. Projects will include using photos from the digital camera, making wacky portraits, and using the computer paintbrush to produce paintings like those of Van Gogh or Matisse.

DRAWING AND PAINTING
Exercises in drawing techniques will be experienced with an emphasis on the human figure, still life, and objects from nature. In painting, color theory will be emphasized. Students will incorporate their drawings into paintings.

FASHION DESIGN
In this elective students will explore the history and techniques of clothing and textile design. Students will document their design process through collage and watercolor rendering techniques. Students will participate in fabric modification, dyeing, and silkscreening projects and showcase their design work in a final fashion show for parents and friends.

MAGICAL MASK MAKING
Putting on a mask is magic. The mask allows students to transform, move, and think differently. During this course students will learn the mask making skills and techniques utilized by diverse cultures throughout history. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own personal masks using these methods.

POTTERY
Explore and create with clay, one of the oldest art media known to man. Using slab building, pinch pots, coil building, and sculpting techniques, students will create original pieces.

Music

BEGINNING GUITAR
Want to be a rock star? Now is your chance! Learn basic melodies and simple chords on an acoustic guitar. Students taking this elective will be introduced to the two main styles of guitar playing, classical and folk. A limited number of guitars will be available. Students who already own a guitar are welcome to join and use their own instrument.

CONTINUING GUITAR
This one-quarter elective course is designed for students with previous guitar experience. Students will receive guidance and direction in solving problems related to playing the guitar and will continue to learn many of the different styles, skills and techniques required to become a successful guitarist. In addition to creating chorded melodies, “TAB” or tablature will be discussed.

BELLS AND THEIR MUSIC
The ringing of bells is a centuries-old tradition enjoyed by “ringers” and listeners alike. The tone chimes used in this course are designed to be played easily by musicians of all ages. Bells provide successful musical experiences for beginning as well as experienced musicians.

KEYBOARD BY SIGHT AND SOUND I
In this course, the student will learn to play a keyboard instrument. Designed for students with no previous keyboard experience, the basic fundamentals of music and playing technique will be presented.

PATHWAY TO THE BAND I (YEAR-LONG)
Learn to play a musical instrument heard in a band. (Instruction should be scheduled for one instrument per class.)
1. Woodwinds - flute, clarinet, alto saxophone. Recommended to begin at grade four.
2. Brass - trumpet, trombone. Recommended to begin at grade four or five.
3. Percussion - bells (with mallets) and drums. Recommended to begin at grade four or five.

PATHWAY TO THE BAND II (YEAR-LONG)
This course will include instruction on woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments begun in PATHWAY TO THE BAND I. Emphasis will be on individual and group instruction. Solo and ensemble performances will be a vital part of this course.

PATHWAY TO THE ORCHESTRA I (YEAR-LONG)
Learn to play the violin, viola, or cello in this course.

PATHWAY TO THE ORCHESTRA II (YEAR-LONG)
This course will be a continuation of PATHWAY TO THE ORCHESTRA I. Emphasis will be placed on both individual and group instruction. Solo and ensemble performances will be encouraged.

Drama

ACTING
In this course, students will participate in role-playing, scripted study, improvisation, and characterization. Teacher-guided study in voice, body movement, and concentration techniques will develop the actor's tools.

CREATIVE DRAMATICS
Through use of the senses, voice, and body, students will learn to expand their own creativity. This course builds a good self-image and confidence for further study in theater.

MIME
In this course students will contribute original ideas in the development of mime skits and the study of nonverbal communication. Students will study simple story development involving beginning, middle, and end, as well as demonstrate sensory awareness in the use of pantomime. They will participate in the rehearsal and presentation of mime skits for selected audiences.

THEATER GAMES
Through hands-on activities students will participate in improvisational theater activities to build concentration, stage presence, communication skills, self-confidence, and cooperative skills.

WACKY MAKEUP AND CRAZY COSTUMES
This course is an introduction to the basic skills of making costumes and creating "makeup" for theater. Students will learn how creativity can take them beyond the boundaries of a makeup kit and sewing machine. Through the use of paper, glue, scraps, and everyday household items, students will create theatrical characters.

Dance

DANCE FORMS
This introductory course in dance will provide each student with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of dance forms. These forms will include creative rhythms, dance improvisations, clogging, ballet, and tap. Folk, ethnic, social, square, and modern dance will also be taught. A historical perspective of dance and its relationships within our society will be examined.

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE
Folk dances from many countries will be studied. Students will gain an understanding of those cultures through movement, music, costumes, and holiday festivities.

INTRODUCTION TO TAP
This course is designed to give an introduction to the technique of tap dancing. The focus will be on rhythmic perception, balance, and coordination. A brief history of tap dance will also be introduced.

MATH IN MOTION
Math in Motion is designed to be taught to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students as a one quarter elective. Each class will begin with a warm up that incorporates technique with the concepts taught throughout the quarter. Most concepts will then be explored using creative problem solving, and will have both written and movement components. Students will also generate their own choreography using math concepts, and design their own rubrics for assessment.

Washington GT Magnet Elementary School
Phone: (919) 856-7960 / Fax: (919) 856-7985