Connections classes are our weekly rotations of Art, P.E., STEM & Computer Lab.
Students visit each of these classes weekly for 45 minute sessions.
Physical Education:
The objective of the physical education is to encourage everyone to be physically active while having fun. In physical education, the students work on different individual and team sports. All the activities in physical education classes are all designed to improve one’s cardiorespiratory strength and endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.
The Fitnessgram is administered as the assessment for physical education to all students in second, third, fourth, and fifth grade. The scores for each student are entered into the Fitnessgram website. The height and weight is administered for all first grade students. The scores are entered into Fitnessgram website.
STEM Lab:
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. In the STEM Lab, students are provided with hands-on and minds-on learning experiences such as invitations to explore and STEM challenges through the engineering design process. Many of the activities are inspired by student interests, whether it be engineering the next Mars rover, constructing a prosthetic arm, or programming a robot to save LEGO Man from his latest mishap. Time in the STEM Lab makes problem-solving engaging and relevant to our students and helps them better understand our ever changing world. It inspires them to pursue their passion and consider their life’s purpose in a way that makes them contributing and fulfilled members of society.
Computer Lab:
Computer Lab is split into three different categories: typing, music and inquiry. For typing we use Learning.com, a program that teaches students the location of keys on the keyboard and how best to type without looking at their fingers. For music we use Quaver Music, this is a technology based music program where the students can learn and create music, customize their avatar to look like themselves, create videos by adding sound effects, etc. The other part of computer lab consists of inquiry based learning. We explore different apps on Launchpoint such as WeVideo, Google Slides, Adobe Spark, and Book Creator. The students also have time for electronic reading through various book and fact finding apps such as Tumblebooks, BookFlix, ScienceFlix, and TrueFlix.
Art:
At Lanier Elementary, students are introduced to basic art techniques and elements and principles of design, which are the building blocks that will provide a solid foundation for future art lovers and artists. Our artists will explore the great world of art using oil pastels, clay, paper, scissors, glue, and paint. This unique learning experience places an emphasis on having fun while exploring creativity! Art promotes creativity, builds fine motor skills, develops problem-solving abilities, and helps kids understand themselves and their world. “Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” (Syndey Gurewitz Clemens)
Check out Mrs. Horn’s Art Symbaloo