Arts Education

Process-Based Visual Art

At Jean Lyle, we primarily use a process-based visual arts curriculum. Children can use available materials (which we rotate out in several variations and combinations) such as low-fire clay, markers, various types of paints, collage material, crayons, oil and chalk pastels, and glue, to create their own ideas. Most art is sent home, though we often display artwork where children can view it first.

Kindergarten Art Unit and art show

In the Kindergarten class, an additional effort is made to teach children a bit of art history and technique in their small group lesson times. Children learn about the styles of Clementine Hunter, Piet Mondrian, Claude Monet, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Georgia O’Keefe, Jackson Pollock, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and the sculpture work of the Yombe group (Nkisi N’Kondi), and then have the opportunity to attempt their own versions of these art styles. This culminates in the annual Kindergarten Art Show, held in February.

Acting, Storytelling, and Puppetry

Children in the Kindergarten group put on two plays a year - one in December, and one in March. These are a wonderful opportunity for children to develop confidence and community with each other, as well as feel proud of their accomplishments.

Children in the younger groups have put on plays before as well (both child-written and acting out favorite stories) if the group seems interested or asks to.

All children are told stories, watch puppet shows/peg people shows, and listen to felt-board books told by teachers.