One of the best ways to pass time at home, relax, find ways to grow, and stay motivated is to involve yourself in art. And, that is exactly what our students, teachers, and parents did over the week. Under the guidance of our teachers at CBS, they went on an artistic adventure through light, shadow, and music to return more excited than ever for learning. Take a look at the fun and educational activities that we did at CBS.
ART
Grade 1 and 2 students designed and made bookmarks and flowers with cards to express their gratitude to those who are working on the front lines of the epidemic.
Grades 3-5 enjoyed a series of Paper Strip Challenges for Self-Study time. One challenge for each offline lesson. On the first day, students created a roller coaster made out entirely of any kind of paper they could find at home; children took pictures and videos of their creations and shared them with everyone else in class. For the second and third challenges, learners created a Triangle Tower and a Paper Spring and had to demonstrate who could make the tallest tower and the longest spring.
MUSIC
On Tuesday March 22nd, students practiced clapping and drumming different ostinatos shared by the teacher. The students were then asked to pick a few of their favorite ostinatos and play them as accompaniment for their favorite character while watching the “Peter and the Wolf”. Students learned how different instruments of the orchestra represented different characters.
On Thursday March 24th, students in grades 3 and 4 practiced keeping time to music by bouncing a ball and doing various gestures. Students were then encouraged to find their favorite songs and come up with their own patterns. Students in grade 5 were given singing activities to do. Students practiced signing solfege, singing vowel sounds, and created their own melodies.
Drama
Students learned about shadow puppetry and made their own shadow puppet theatre using shoe box and paper. Also they inquired the documentary short film about Chinese Shadow Puppetry. Chinese Shadow Puppetry is represented as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in UNESCO in 2011. Chinese shadow puppetry is a form of theatre acted by colourful silhouette figures made from leather or paper, accompanied by music and singing. Manipulated by puppeteers using rods, the figures create the illusion of moving images on a translucent cloth screen illuminated from behind. Chinese shadow puppetry also passes on information such as cultural history, social beliefs, oral traditions and local customs. It spreads knowledge, promotes cultural values and entertains the community, especially the youth.
The enjoyment that art brings is truly motivating and inspiring, as the students have happily shown us. By expressing our ideas, loves, and wonder through art, we have become closer as a learning community and family during this time, even though we have been apart. We at CBS will continue to provide these excellent experiences and learning opportunities. Stay alert for the next adventure that is just around the corner!
