Specialists

Art

The art curriculum at Gig Harbor Academy introduces students to a wide variety of mediums from color pencil to oil and chalk pastels to watercolors and sharpies. The students work both two and three-dimensionally. The basic art elements of line, shape, color, value, form, texture and space are introduced starting in pre-school. The technique and application of the elements becomes more refined as a student progresses.

Art history is woven throughout the curriculum as different time periods and styles of art are examined. Each grade learns about and creates a project in the style of a different artist. Both blind contour and contour drawing is introduced and allows students to tap into a different part of their brain for creativity. All classes visit once a week for age appropriate lengths of time starting with 20 minutes for 4 year olds through 50 minutes a week for upper elementary grades.

Self-expression and creativity are emphasized with many opportunities for originality. Each student is encouraged to develop their skills and challenge themselves to think outside of the box. Visits to local museums and relevant fieldtrips are incorporated into the curriculum as possible. Cross-curriculum teaching with classroom teachers and other specialists is always a focus and helps students make art more applicable to their own lives. The students are taught how to appreciate and enjoy the art found both locally and globally. Their work is showcased annually at the Art and Music Festival in the spring.

Music

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Preschool, Pre-K and Kindergarten will begin their music study with their hands, feet, and voices with Eurhythmics; a study of rhythm. We will also incorporate the use of rhythm sticks and various other percussion instruments in the classroom. Group sing-alongs will be the culmination of our study, as we put movement and music together into performance.

1st & 2nd Graders will take their rhythmic study to the Clave, which is both an instrument and a rhythm prolific in Latin music. Basic vocal practice will include proper breath support, & an introduction to Solfege (do re mi fa so la ti do).

3rd Graders will take home a recorder/flute as a means of developing a personal practice routine. Individual and group performance of short pieces will be an emphasis for these kids. More advanced theory, melodic notation, and music appreciation are also included.

4th & 5th Graders focus will be on small percussion ensembles, in which Latin and African rhythms/songs are studied. Theory will include harmony, compound meters, and polyrhythms. Music appreciation will cover musical styles and traditions from around the world.

Spanish

Most experts agree that the earlier a child is introduced to a second language, the greater the chances are that the child will become truly proficient in the language.

As well, statistics show that students of foreign languages score higher on standardized tests and have a competitive advantage in the work force by opening up additional job opportunities.

We introduce our Spanish program at the Preschool level (twice a week) using visual aides to initiate simple verbs, nouns and sentences. As they progress through school, they begin to concentrate more on speaking and writing, often through role play exercises such as pretend vacations to a Spanish-speaking country, as well as a collection of Spanish games and songs to help make learning fun. Once in grades 1st through 5th, students will attend Spanish class three times a week.

The benefits to society are many. Americans fluent in other languages enhance our economic competitiveness abroad, improve global communication and create a deeper understanding of our own and other cultures.

Fitness

99% of adults feel it is important for their child to be physically fit. 

The goal of our PE program is to teach students, Pre-Kindergarten through 5th the values and skills related to specific sports, physical health, team play, group learning, personal goal-setting and to nurture social and emotional health. Quality Physical Education provides a number of important benefits that improve children’s overall physical and mental health.

Gig Harbor Academy is fortunate to have a unique resource in its fitness trail. The trail is used to promote many types of development in our students over the course of the year. Goal setting, physical fitness and cardiovascular endurance are developed through consistent use of the trail. Together with the multipurpose field, we have an exceptional and challenging program.

Technology

The Gig Harbor Academy Technology Specialist works with Kindergarten through 5th Grade students on a weekly basis. Alongside the homeroom teachers and parent volunteers, we collaborate on classroom research projects throughout the year, in order to integrate technology into the classroom curriculum.

A  wireless Dell laptop lab with individual student laptops, along with an LCD projection system, is brought to each classroom during tech time.

Students are introduced to a variety of skills, including:

• Keyboarding
• Everyday Math skills via an online subscription (from home/school)
• Mind mapping software
• Draw & paint theme-based projects
• Multimedia presentations
• Word processing
• Kidspiration, Word, Excel and Power-point
• Online research
• 5th Graders will also participate in a monthly electronic field trip to Williamsburg.