This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Country School Delivers a Virtual Innovative Curriculum

By definition, educators are a creative bunch. Dedicated, resourceful, and – during this time of social distancing – more innovative than ever before; these qualities drive The Country School’s faculty. Removed from campus and the usual supplies and necessary materials to deliver content and bring lessons to life, Country School teachers have been revealing their innovative nature in the most creative ways.

Resident artist Amy Peters draws on the theme of being Country Connected with her Kindergarten through 5th Grade students. Peters was inspired by Alexander Calder, a Connecticut artist, and his life-long Sandy’s Circus project. Peters said, “Calder started working on the circus when he was 5 or 6, looking through garbage to find objects to then make into circus performers. He used corks, scraps of cloth, odd pieces of wood, lengths of wire, shreds of paper, pipe cleaners and more to create a circus that inspires.” She tasked her students to imitate Calder’s circus by using materials they had at home to create their own piece. Upon returning to campus, whenever that may be, all the students’ pieces will be collected to form a cooperative Country School circus.

From art to science, students use materials they have at home to demonstrate their learning. Using a 2:1:1 mathematical ratio of flour:salt:water and an interactive moon atlas, 3rd Graders created realistic and artistic lunar landscapes. In an effort to replicate the moon's curvature, Ava Kowalski of Killingworth built her section of the moon by draping dough over a gourd from her garden. Meanwhile 5th Grade science students demonstrated how to convert wind energy to mechanical energy by designing and building turbines using Legos, milk jugs, water bottles, and cardboard. Innovation and discovery are the hallmarks of these lessons. Even PreKindergarteners parade their knowledge of hibernation by crafting bear dens out of twigs, popsicle sticks, clay, and cotton balls.

Although The Country School campus is closed, teachers continue to deliver lessons of study that epitomize the school’s Mission, honoring students’ creativity, sense of wonder, and intellectual curiosity.

Founded in 1955, The Country School serves students in PreSchool-Grade 8 on (and currently off) its 23-acre campus in Madison. The Country School is committed to active, hands-on learning and a vigorous curriculum that engages the whole child. Signature programs such as Elmore Leadership, Public Speaking, STEAM, and Outdoor Education help prepare students for success in high school and beyond. Register for a virtual student workshop this May 4-8. Learn more at www.thecountryschool.org.