Nurturing Creativity and Movement at Parkside

At Parkside, the Arts and Movement department shines with a dynamic, individualized curriculum carefully designed to meet the goals, gifts, and energy of each student. Specialists in art, music, drama, movement, and yoga collaborate to craft programs that not only cater to each child’s unique abilities but also help them grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

In art, Mr. Lonsdale offers a special “studio art” class early in the morning for students who thrive in visual arts, providing a space for those who express themselves best through creative media. One student found their confidence and voice through painting. Initially shy and hesitant to speak in class, they blossomed when given the opportunity to express themselves through vibrant canvases. Their artistic growth became a source of pride and joy, and they later contributed a central piece to the year-end school musical backdrop, a testament to the school’s ability to encourage creative expression.

Physical education with Mr. Jay provides students with the opportunity to improve their physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork. Through engaging activities and sports, gym class reinforces concepts learned in other areas, helping students bridge physical skills with classroom lessons. It offers an active environment where students can develop their ability to work with peers while building confidence in their physical abilities.

Similarly, in yoga and movement, Ms. Ellen designs lessons that adapt to each child’s physical capabilities while fostering skills for growth. For younger students, this might mean practicing simple poses to build strength, balance, and muscle memory, while older or more physically developed children are given more advanced challenges to push them toward greater achievements. When a class needs to focus on building empathy or teamwork, Ms. Ellen incorporates cooperative games that promote kindness and community. Conversely, for a group with heightened physical strength, she might introduce more strenuous exercises, like holding a plank or mastering a tree pose.

In addition to physical and emotional growth, Ms. Ellen’s work often ties into broader classroom learning. For instance, when students studied the water cycle, she led a movement exercise that replicated the cycle’s stages, enhancing understanding through physical experience.

In music, Ms. Abby offers the “Parkside Singers,” where students gather purely for the joy of music and collective expression. The culmination of these artistic talents is most evident in the school’s year-end musical, where the entire Arts and Movement team collaborates to support the production. Mr. Lonsdale’s art students create the stage backdrops, Ms. Ellen prepares students for rehearsals through yoga and movement, Ms. Abby rehearses the musical numbers, and the drama specialists guide the students in rehearsing for their performances. This collaborative effort gives each child the chance to find their role within the production, whether in front of the spotlight or behind the scenes, fostering a deep sense of community and shared achievement.

At Parkside, specialists not only focus on individual student interests but also work closely with teachers to integrate their lessons into the broader curriculum. Whether through art, music, drama, yoga, or movement, Parkside embraces the belief that students learn in diverse ways. By recognizing and celebrating these differences, the school ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Complementary activities, such as gym, library, and chess, further support students’ physical, emotional, and cognitive growth, offering numerous opportunities for social interaction and development. By integrating these varied activities, Parkside creates an inclusive environment that nurtures the potential and creativity within every child, ensuring that each one feels empowered to express their true selves in and out of the classroom.

This holistic approach exemplifies Parkside’s dedication to creating a space where students feel seen, heard, and supported, no matter their strengths or challenges. At Parkside, it’s all about fostering an environment where every child can flourish, both artistically and personally.