HONEY CREEK
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
ART, PE, MUSIC & TECHNOLOGY
In addition to language arts, math, science and social studies, Honey Creek offers instruction in music, fine arts, technology, physical education and swimming. Students also have scheduled library time in the school’s media center. These learning opportunities are referred to collectively as “Specials.” At Honey Creek, the work students do in “Special” subjects is viewed as integral to their development and the school is always looking for ways to expand and strengthen these offerings.
ART
Children should have a well-rounded view of the arts as they relate to other subject areas, and they should enjoy the process of creating art rather than competing to be the best artist. In the lower elementary levels, learning is centered around the elements of art and how they relate to the things that we see and do in our everyday lives. At the K1 level We focus on color, line, texture, shape, and space, while at the 2/3 level we expand on the elements of art and how they work together with the elements of design (unity, rhythm, contrast, emphasis, variety, balance, proportion). Students are also introduced to the basics of perspective at this level. At the 4/5 level, we expand further on the elements and principles to explore art history and specific artists at a more advanced level. Middle School students are given more “open-ended” projects, in which their personal voices and creative concepts are featured, while still learning and practicing skills such as value/shading, contouring, color theory, and more in-depth studies of culture and art history.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The purpose of PE at Honey Creek is to teach children how to remain healthy for life. Students learn this through workouts and activities that are based on the Michigan Content Standards and Benchmarks for PE.
Students in K-5 participate in one 50 minute block of PE per week and one 50 minute block of swimming per week. Middle school students have one 50 minute block of PE and can choose a swimming elective 2 days per week. PE classes offer a combination of team sports and individual activities (e.g.yoga, jump roping) with a strong emphasis on positive sportsmanship and communication skills. Swimming offers instruction on all competitive and non-competitive strokes and team building activities.
MUSIC
The music curriculum is based on the requirements set by the State of Michigan through the Michigan Content Standards and Benchmarks for Elementary and Middle School Music. Students achieve the Standards and Benchmarks through activities using MusicPlayOnline (An Active Music Curriculum), Standard of Excellence for the bands, and Sing at First Sight for choir. Upper elementary is introduced to the ukulele and bucket drumming. Second and third graders are introduced to the xylophones, while kindergarten and first grade focuses on aural skills. Twice a year students learn supplemental songs to perform at a school-wide concert. Elementary students meet once a week for a 50 minute class period. Bands 1 and 2 meet three times a week. Choir is a semester long elective class for middle school students. This class meets twice a week.
Music incorporates and synthesizes all the other subjects. For example, music is science through the study of sound. Students learn math while studying rhythms. Music includes history with the study of music history. Music is a foreign language requiring interpretation of the notes and symbols. While learning to play an instrument you learn to use your body in a new way. Music is team building because the students work together to create it.
Students receive a report card twice a year. To determine these grades students are assessed weekly on their progress with the skills in each lesson. PProgress measures include playing tests, group activities, worksheets and games. Students are also evaluated on their participation and preparedness.
TECHNOLOGY
Honey Creek's Technology Education program is rooted in the belief that technological literacy is essential for everyone in society. Our curriculum seamlessly integrates computer literacy, technological problem-solving, and engineering design principles. This holistic approach ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate an increasingly digital world. While student-led projects are our primary mode of assessment, we also utilize written reflections, quizzes, and teacher observations to gauge student development. These varied assessment methods provide a comprehensive view of each student's progress and understanding.
Our program's curriculum aligns with the standards set by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Each grade level engages in projects tailored to their age, ensuring consistent growth and development in technological literacy. This tiered approach ensures that as students progress, they are continually challenged and supported in their learning journey.
MEDIA CENTER
Media Center is for literacy development and for fostering the joy of reading, and is a space for students and teachers to gather information that supports their projects and interests. Students and teachers experience the Media Center as a welcoming, central place for the Honey Creek community. All students have a chance once per week to come in, listen to books read aloud, choose their own reading material for pleasure or assignments, and work on information-gathering projects. Classes are also encouraged to visit when they have projects for which research and exploring are required.
