Learning at Rashi
Kindergarten - Grade 2
The arts at Rashi provide another avenue for students to find and express their individual voices. Like other areas of study, the arts curricula begin with the basic and most tangible elements and progress with time and mastery to the more complex and abstract elements of each art form. Students receive support and encouragement as they develop their personal artistic expression. Teachers help students see the arts as integral to their lives as Jews and as a key part of Jewish culture.
The three components of the arts curriculum are:
| Art | Music | Theater |
Art
The art curriculum at Rashi encourages students to think creatively and to solve problems as they explore the process and the products of artistic expression and learn how to use a wide variety of materials and tools. Our students learn not only how to make art, but also why it is relevant to their everyday lives, including the important ties to their spirituality and their culture as Jews.
In addition to a focus on techniques and self-expression, we emphasize the aesthetics and spirituality of Judaica. Students of all ages contribute works of art to holiday events, such as the Sukkah decorating ceremony. They take home beautiful creations for many Jewish holidays, such as fourth grade ceramic menorahs and eighth grade batik matza covers. Rashi students bring a sophisticated knowledge of Jewish customs and spirituality into the art room, and their art reflects this background.
Art Emphasis
Reflecting the Massachusetts curriculum standards and stages of artistic development, the art curriculum grows and changes with each successive grade. Students in the lower grades begin their artistic exploration with a tactile, process-oriented approach. As older elementary children grow as artists and students, they move toward a more self-reflective way of creating art, learning about elements of design and engaging in sophisticated visual observation and analysis. Teachers encourage both self-reflection and reflection on the work of others.
Middle schoolers continue to learn about the artistic process and delve deeper into art history, with an emphasis on contemporary art, issues of the arts and the role of the artist in society. In a unit on graphic design and advertising, students design an original product, logo, and advertisement, and then engage in a group discussion and critique. Middle School electives give students a choice to explore more specifically focused themes and materials, often drawing on their interests and hobbies. Past electives have included Make a Fashion Statement, Art From the Hardware Store, The Art of Rock and Roll, and Inspired by Wire.
Exposed to a wide variety of artistic media and techniques, Rashi students are encouraged to be individuals and to seek out the artistic media that inspires them. Blending their creativity and cultural heritage through their projects, students learn to see that art is all around them, and that it is a unique and important form of self-expression.
The Yachad parent association sponsors supplemental art programming, including Creative Arts programs and the Learning About Art art appreciation series.
Music
Music is noteworthy at Rashi! Students at Rashi are encouraged to develop their creativity and find their own expressive voices. We create, analyze and perform music of diverse styles and genres. We celebrate Jewish holidays and customs through song, movement and instrument playing.
Music is integrated into the educational program, playing an important role in assemblies, family programs and class plays. Music lessons often focus on what students are learning in their grade-level curriculum. The music department collaborates with the social justice department every year for a six-week unit on Martin Luther King and the history of music leading up to the Civil Rights movement.
Music Emphasis
The music program for grades K-2 introduces and reinforces core concepts such as melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and timbre, through singing, listening, and playing classroom instruments. Students meet for music twice a week and have the opportunity to play a wide variety of instruments, including glockenspiels and xylophones.
Students in grades 3-4 enhance their earlier learning by singing in The Rashi Chorus (RashiRon). They perform both Jewish and secular songs throughout the year and often showcase their talents at school events such as Generations Day. Third and fourth graders also learn to play the recorder and participate in a Recorder Karate program in which students earn “belts” by playing progressively difficult pieces.
Fifth graders build on their previous knowledge and explore music from other cultures. They learn to play, sing and perform songs such as the Japanese song, Sakura. The year-long theme, “Music around the World,” ties in with their final research project and culminates in the impressive Fifth Grade Nationality Day.
Middle school students may choose to further their study through the middle school elective program. Private piano, violin, guitar and flute lessons are also available through the Extended Day Program.
Music provides community-wide engagement and enjoyment. In 2006 we formed a Rashi Orchestra (Rashi Tizmoret),which is comprised of students, parents and staff, and which performs at special school-wide celebrations.
Theater
The philosophy of the theater program is to provide each student with an appreciation and working knowledge of the theater and to nurture his or her fundamental performing skills. Additional skills gained in theater such as self-confidence, teamwork, time management, public speaking and goal setting show in students’ growth in both their academic and social settings. Rashi offers drama activities for students both during the school day and after school.
Theater Emphasis
Students participate in theater at each grade level preparing for an annual production, including a full-length Hebrew production in grade 8. Students also have a chance to perform for the community through field trips to Rashi’s Jewish Community Literacy program partner school and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center, which are coordinated with the Social Justice department. Middle School students have the option of in-school theater electives in scenic design, Traveling Theatre Troupe, State Drama Festival, monologue workshop and one act play.
Drama electives are available through the Extended Day program. After school programs for grades 2-5 produce a winter recital and a full-length musical presentation in the spring. After school programs in the Middle School culminate in a fall non-musical and a spring musical.
The Rashi School is a member in good standing of both the Massachusetts High School and Middle School Drama Guild (MHSDG) and the International Thespian Society (ITS). Students elect officers and may earn membership in ITS with a yearly induction ceremony for new members. Students also have the option of participating in the State Drama Festival Competition.
