Special Subjects
Please access the information listed for each related arts class by clicking the tabs for each subject.
Art
Art
Elementary Art focuses on elements and principles of design while introducing students to famous artists, cultures, and interdisciplinary parallels. Students explore art forms such as drawing, painting, collage, printing, ceramics, sculpture, and more, using a multitude of techniques and media. Watercolors, tempera paints, pastels, oil pastels, sponge painting, printmaking, weaving, sculpture, ceramics, perspective, and figure drawing are just a few of the techniques and mediums we will cover in a year.
Students are graded on their mastery of skills learned, appropriate use of materials, and creativity appropriate to their developmental level. The goal is to instill satisfaction in accomplishment and respect for the value of originality and creativity. Aronimink's parents volunteer to hang student artwork throughout the halls. Students' artwork is also displayed on the yearbook cover. The UDSD also sponsors a district-wide Art Festival each year, where the students' artwork can be enjoyed.
Health & PE
Health & Physiclal Education
With a legacy of achievement, the Aronimink Physical Education program instills a lifelong commitment to teamwork, leadership and reaching one's personal best. Physical Education focuses on each student's personal growth and overall well-being. Our curriculum promotes a healthy lifestyle and lifelong wellness through the development of each student's physical health, talents, self-confidence and relationships with others.
Physical Education provides the physical activity and skill-based instruction that growing bodies need. Fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship and fundamental playing skills through competitive sports will be taught.
Active kids do better! Integrating physical activity after school help kids learn, focus and grow. When kids are physically active they perform better academically, they have better attendance and their behavior improves. I hope you and your child will share in my goal to be physically active so they can get all of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social benefits which come to someone who is physically active during his or her life. I am extremely proud of the Physical Education program at Aronimink Elementary School and I look forward to being your child’s physical educator this year. Please click below for more information from Mr. Dunn!
Library
Music
Classroom Music at Aronimink
Students at Aronimink receive one thirty-minute music class each 4-day cycle. When classes meet for music, we sing songs and play classroom instruments. Most song melodies are taught using solfege, which is a teaching concept that reinforces pitch recognition and musical understanding. Each year, the songs use more notes (pitch & rhythmic variations), and students improve their listening, musical understanding, and singing ability. We work on reading and writing music. We also play games and do movement activities with our songs.
This year, Ms. Atlas travels on a cart and brings instruments into the students’ classrooms. Students use scarves, shakers, and rhythm sticks to play along to different songs and rhythm reading. Other percussion instruments and various Orff barred instruments are introduced later in the year. For students in 3rd grade and up, they learn how to play the recorder. The recorder is a melodic wind instrument that they will use all the way through 5th grade.
Aronimink Band
Starting in 4th grade, students can participate in the band at Aronimink. They can learn how to play the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, or percussion. If you have a student who wishes to join the band, please let Ms. Atlas know. Students in band will receive a 30-minute small group lesson once a 4-day cycle, and they are encouraged to practice at home for 5-10 minutes every day.
To prepare for our Winter and Spring concerts, students will meet for one additional full group rehearsal for 30 minutes before school starts. The band performs at the Winter and Spring concerts, as well as other performance opportunities at school and in the community. Learning a musical instrument helps young students learn discipline, responsibility, confidence, and listening skills. Please encourage your student to participate in the Upper Darby Music Program!
Aronimink Orchestra
Starting in 3rd grade, students can choose to participate in the orchestra and learn a string instrument. They can learn the violin, viola, cello, or bass. String lessons at Aronimink are taught by Mr. Morris on Mondays. The orchestra also performs in the Winter and Spring concerts.
If you have any questions about the orchestra, contact:
Mr. Morris
Aronimink Chorus
Starting in 4th grade, students can participate in the chorus. The chorus performs a variety of songs from different genres and cultures, and students have a chance to learn more about proper singing technique beyond the general music classroom. The chorus meets once every 4-day cycle for 8 weeks prior to the Winter and Spring concerts. Students will have the opportunity to audition for solos or select small groups in our concerts.