Fine Arts Wheel

Fine Arts Wheel in Grades 4-6:

In grades 4-6, St. Mark’s has built a unique way of scheduling its resource classes, providing time that is developmentally appropriate for children to have the proper exposure to the fine arts.  Our enriching program is meaningful and not hurried.  Students interaction with lessons is more effective on a day-to-day regimen with built-in reinforcement.

Utilizing a blocked schedule, students attend the same two resources four days a week, for six-weeks (with the exception of art, which utilizes both resource blocks on its scheduled sessions).  At the end of the six week session, the students rotate to the next two courses.  Throughout the year, each student attends classes for two rotations.

In doing this:

• The academic teachers gain time in the classroom
• The resources classes experience the opportunity to teach “studio style”
• The students’ days are less hurried, experiencing more meaningful and continuous lessons

An example of blocking at these levels:

• 4th Art
• 5th Technology and Christian Education
• 6th Music and World Language

Each class would be in this rotation for six-weeks, repeating twice during the school year.

Families will be notified throughout the year as to which classes the students are involved and when the session will transition.