Middle School Arts & Activities

Art
At Riverbend, we infuse art into our curriculum wherever and whenever possible, at every level. Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School students spend at least an hour each week in the Art room, working in much the same way that studio artists do in real life. Art materials are accessible in distinct, well-organized work areas at all times. In the earliest grades, and often at the start of each class, the teacher introduces art concepts and techniques. Students then work independently, just as they do in other classroom subjects, choosing the art materials and subjects that inspire them, and using the individual time and space we give them to think and create. Riverbend students explore drawing and painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, wood carving, photography, digital art, filmmaking and more.

Music
Inspiring a lifelong love of music is our ultimate goal. Over the years, from the youngest levels through eighth grade, Riverbend students develop a deepening appreciation for music, along with the confidence to make music on their own or in a group. They study music from a variety of cultures and time periods to gain a broad understanding and global perspective.

Steeped in a firm praxial approach to music education, Riverbend utilizes the Kodaly, Orff and Dalcroze methods. In our small, personal classes, there is plenty of time for individual and group work on both theory and practice. Students uncover the basic elements of music (melody, harmony, rhythm, meter, form, etc.) through an active exploration of many genres of music (including popular, classical, bluegrass, children’s, blues, folk and jazz). All students actively explore improvisation and composition and are welcome to join Riverbend’s stage and rock bands to experience an ensemble setting.

Physical Education
At Riverbend we encourage children of all ages to discover the joy in physical activity and to develop a deep appreciation of fitness, sportsmanship and fair play.

Students in the younger levels learn a variety of skills while developing physical and spatial abilities in a safe environment. Older students work on building strength, endurance, balance, cardio-respiratory fitness, speed and agility while participating in more complex games and activities. Our emphasis on healthy competition, sportsmanship and fair play become especially relevant at this level as students become more involved in team sports outside of school.

For students of all ages, the focus remains on having fun. The ultimate goal is for every child to understand the importance of physical fitness and to develop a lifetime enjoyment of healthy physical activity.

Spanish
In the Elementary and Middle School programs, we prepare students to participate in our multilingual, interdependent global community. Our instruction emphasizes practical communication skills in contemporary Spanish at all levels. By Middle School, students advance their Spanish reading comprehension and written proficiency by using a variety of textbooks, audio materials and online activities in class. They also explore the cultures and history of the Spanish-speaking world with age-appropriate traditional games, cooking and art projects.

Technology
Technology plays an integral role in preparing our students to be 21st century learners. We recognize the value of the computer as a learning tool, as an enrichment activity, and as a link to the world around us. Students have the opportunity to work on Macs and PCs in our dual-platform computer lab. Elementary students use the Internet for research projects and papers. Our keyboarding program begins in second grade, and by fifth grade we expect students to know how to use Microsoft Word, a video camera and iMovie editing software. Middle School students produce projects using animation and video, work on digital photography and formatting for the yearbook, and use the Hyperstudio program to create multimedia projects.