The month of December has been a busy one for students at Greendale Elementary. Second grade students visited the Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell, Virginia for a historic perspective of life in Southwest Virginia. The museum includes artifacts excavated on the site of an Indian village as well as a walking time line including items from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The differences in these historical eras demonstrated how a local community changed over time. (SOL 2.3) A large scale model of the Indian village and tools used by Native Americans were also on display. (SOL 2.2)
Students also learned of the many contributions of Native American art (SOL 2.2) by observing sweet grass, listening to Native American music, making Pueblo dream-catchers, and crafting an Indian medicine pouch. William King Art Center made these activities possible as a part of its Van Gogh Outreach Program which incorporates art education with Virginia Social Science SOLs.
Kindergarten students enjoyed A Visit from St. Nicholas at Barter Theatre on December 14. This is a play written and directed by Catherine Gray featuring a boy who had lost his belief in Santa. Merry elves and the boys sister spend the evening convincing him through familiar songs and stories that Santa really does exist in the hearts of those who believe.
Fifth grade students have been busy designing and making patterned garlands in math class. (Math SOL 5.19) The garland was strung from the ceiling with care in hopes it would still be presentable to hang on their tree at home. Students identified the patterns in each garland and determined what would come next if the garland was extended. All students and Nurse Karen voted to choose the most creative garlands and the winners were Kris J., Katie G., Ginny P. and Corey S.
Fifth graders recently enjoyed WMKS: A Christmas Story at Barter Theatre. One of our own classmates, Jessi N., starred in the play as Arthella. The play not only put us in the Christmas spirit, but also gave us a strong sense of patriotism. At one point in the play, the cast began singing the Star Spangled Banner and the entire Barter audience stood, saluted and sang along-it was an amazing experience.