Art | Library | Music | Physical Education
Goshen Intermediate School students participate in four Special Area subjects each week. Art, music and library classes are offered once per week, and physical education classes meet twice a week. All classes are 40 minutes.
Our Music Program also offers fourth and fifth grade students the opportunity to participate in band or orchestra. Students may choose to learn to play instruments such as clarinet, flute, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, drums, vibes, violin, cello, viola, or double bass.
Art
Welcome to the wonderful world of art! Classes meet once a week for 40 minutes. After-school clubs include water coloring, stamping, and puppet making.
Each art lesson is based on the teaching technique known as Discipline Based Art Education: Every lesson includes at least one, if not all of the following standards:
- Art History- Who made the art? Facts and knowledge about the art and artist. Students learn how factors such as place and time influence art.
- Art Criticism- What is the work of art about? Students learn to read a painting looking for visual clues. Students learn to discuss a work of art based on their emotional response.
- Aesthetics- What is the purpose or function of the work of art? Why do we like this work of art? Students examine and use subject matter, themes, and symbols to give emotional meaning to their work.
- Studio Art- How is the work of art made? What process, skills, and techniques are used to create a work of art?
Students are encouraged to keep a sketchbook outside of class. Sketchbooks can be a visual diary of students lives, filled with memories, new experiences, challenges, and fun! Artists are not necessarily born artists, they learn the craft like all other skills. With practice and encouragement art can expand a child’s outlook on life.
Student artwork is displayed throughout the school year in the library and district office as well as local businesses. At the end-of-year Open House, every student will have their artwork displayed.
Library
Students in grades 3-5 attend one 40-minute library skills class every other week. Students are encouraged to visit the library with their classroom teachers to participate in book exchange, research projects or literature appreciation.
Books may be signed out for two weeks and may be renewed. Fines are not charged for overdue books. Replacement fees are charged for lost or damaged books.
Access the GIS library catalog.
The GIS library database is available for teachers, students and parents to access at anytime. Please contact Mrs. Schwerner for password information.
Music
Goshen Intermediate School students are offered a variety of music courses, including General Music, Chorus, Strings, and Band. The general music classes are scheduled to meet for 40 minutes once a week.
Our fourth and fifth grade choruses rehearse twice a week for 50 minutes before school. Students work on singing technique while performing a varied repertoire of music.
Instrumental lessons last for a half hour, once a week. There are weekly band section rehearsals that rehearse during recess and full band rehearsals twice a week for 50 minutes before school.
String students have small group lessons for 30 minutes each week. During this time, instruction focuses on building basic playing skills and music reading skills.
Before-school practices are also part of the instruction. This takes place 2-3 days a week from 8-8:50 a.m. This time allows students to utilize the skills they learn during their lessons, under the supervision of their teacher. Having this extra instruction makes it possible for students to advance more quickly.
During before-school practice, students have the opportunity to perform as a group and individually. Students also create their own music patterns on the board, using the rhythms and notes that have been learned. This time also makes it possible for students to listen to music and learn about music history. These are many things that could not be addressed in the short lesson time during the school day.
Physical Education
Students at the Goshen Intermediate School are involved in a physical education program that provides opportunities to engage in many physical activities. Emphasis is placed on skills that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle. Physical education class provides an environment which fosters learning opportunities for every child. Motor and social skills are provided in a safe, supportive environment.
Grades 3-5 meet for physical education classes twice each week for 40 minutes. Students are excused from classes only with a note from a doctor or parent. All students should wear appropriate clothing and sneakers on Physical Education days.
Our fitness assessment is the Fitnessgram – a health-related physical fitness assessment. Each of the test items is selected to assess important aspects of a student’s health related fitness. It is administered twice a year: fall and spring. It will be sent home in January and again with each student’s final report card in June.