Lower School Related Arts
Expanding our students' horizons through music, theater and art
PSM has partnered with the Chicago Center for Music Education.
The Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) provides access to evidence-based therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth.
As community arts educators and therapists, ChiME prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as a crucial part of thier work to ensure that their programming:
- helps all children experience interactions that nurture their full range of social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and linguistic abilities;
- presents a curriculum and programming that is bias-free and reflects and models fundamental principles of fairness and justice;
- is delivered by teaching artists and therapists who are skilled in the delivery of culturally responsive pedagogy and who value all children for who they are and what they bring to our community of learners.
Pre-School, Pre-K, Kindergarten Music
Singing, movement, playing classroom instruments, action songs and stories, and introduction to music reading are all a part of this class taught by a ChiME early childhood music specialist once a week.
Lower School Music
Through our Early Childhood music classes ChiME aspires to instill a love of music making through classroom activities that help children develop the ability to keep a steady beat, perform simple rhythms, use dynamic contrast, and match pitch. We show them the path to a better life through music by developing self-confidence, inspiring self-expression, and helping them follow directions, work together, and listen. All of this is done through active music making.
Lower School Bible/Musical Theater
All students in 1st through 5th grade will act, sing, and dance in a Biblically-based musical production. Students will learn about blocking, choreography, costumes, props, and more. Students will also help to compose songs for their performance.
Lower School Art
Lower School Art is focused on creative expression and building the belief that everyone is an artist. Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade will learn the basics of the Elements of Art while being introduced to various art mediums and styles. Students will explore topics like sculpture, mosaic, painting, murals, puppets, masks, printmaking, and more.
Lower School Physical Education
Physical fitness, team cooperation, team sports, and group games are all a part of the Lower School PE curriculum! Students meet once per week.
