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Technology, Art, Music, and Foreign Languages
Technology
Computers are in use in the Lower and Upper Elementary Classrooms. PreSchool students have access to computers in the school library. In the younger grades children become familiar with the computer through simple math and language activities. The older students can use computers for all of their subject areas, including research and documentation. The Internet is available in the Upper Elementary classrooms, as well in several central locations for the other classrooms. We find this to be a valuable tool for research and communication.
Art and Music
At Brookwood, we recognize the visual arts and music as vital elements in developing the whole person. Children are powerfully affected by storytelling, music, dance, and visual arts. These disciplines provide unique learning opportunities, In visual arts a variety of materials and media are introduced at the earliest ages. For 3 year olds through Kindergarten, the emphasis is on a creative self-expression and development of basic skills. Projects introduce the children to such media as paint, collage, clay and textiles. We also teach age-appropriate drawing.
 For all grade levels the goal is to develop the skills and understanding necessary for creating original work in order to communicate important ideas and feelings. The higher grades are introduced to art appreciation, history, and expanded art vocabulary. As much as possible, art projects are integrated with curriculum themes and utilize the rich cultural institutions in the area. Themes such as local architecture, bookmaking, calligraphy, origami, and artwork from other cultures are part of the art curriculum.
The music program for the younger children is full of movement and imagination. We encourage the children to develop keen listening and concentration skills, as well as physical coordination and self control. For the Upper Elementary class, the music curriculum integrates with academic themes where possible and students are exposed to many diverse styles in an effort to encourage them to appreciate and participate in their own creative way. Students learn basic rhythm concepts through body movements, hand clapping, listening to different rhythms and playing instruments. The students are learning to create rhythms from one of our music instructors who is a specialist in percussion and African beat. There is an ongoing presentation of music from different cultures, including folk songs and their origins, highlighting music history.
Foreign Language
French is taught to all of our students two times a week by certified teachers whose enthusiasm for the language is contagious. In 2004, we introduced a new program for 3- and 4-year-olds that incorporates music with French instruction.
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