Can students have fun and learn at the same time? The answer is yes! Studies have shown a positive correlation between arts integration and student achievement. Pinetree Community School, in the Sulphur Springs School District, ensures that all students are given the opportunity to explore and experience the arts, not only with their teacher but also with specialized instructors.
With the support of Pinetree PTA, Pinetree Community School is able to provide a unique K-6 in-school Arts Curriculum Program that focuses on art, music, and theatre. Five years ago, Pinetree established a partnership with Cultivating Creative Minds, a nonprofit organization. Professionals from the fine and performing arts fields are recruited to work with students to give them a deeper understanding of the arts: what they are learning, why they are learning, and how the arts connects to the real world. The passion of these individuals translates into authentic learning experiences that engage and captivate students. The energy and excitement these classes provide is a springboard for knowledge acquisition.
At Pinetree students become the artist, and their work is recognized and celebrated throughout the school. In music class, students are introduced to composers, learn beats/rhythm, discover how to read music, compose their own music, play instruments, identify composers, and sing songs. In theatre class, students receive an introduction to theatre and audience etiquette, learn about body language, express and communicate through improvisation, pantomime and tableau, learn about theatrical techniques, create scripts and act out theatrical scenarios. In art class students learn the elements of art: line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and basic drawing skills. They are introduced to artists, explore time periods, discover how colors are related on a color wheel, learn how warm, cool, and neutral colors can be used to reflect mood. Students create original pieces of art that are on display.
Pinetree is a place where creativity is fostered and encouraged. Poet Henry David Thoreau said, “This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” At Pinetree Community School all of our students’ minds are cultivated and enriched with the arts!