photo of early childhood students

How we express ourselves

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Pre Kindergarten

Creativity & Materials (2)
16 weeks

Central idea
We develop our thinking skills and our creativity through interactions with different materials

Key concepts
Form, Perspective, Causation

Related concepts
Causation – Material
Form – Properties

Line of inquiry
1. How we make connections between materials and ideas
2. How materials make us behave in different ways

 

Kindergarten

Storytelling (2)
6 weeks

Central idea
Stories help us make connections with each other, our families and local community.

Key concepts
Perspective, Form, Connection

Related concepts
Form – Imagination, Performance, Traditions
Perspective – Creativity

Line of inquiry
1. The elements of stories
2. The forms in which stories can be shared (significance, personal, social studies)
3. Stories from our families and local community
4. How our imaginations add to the stories that are told

 

Grade 1

Imagination (6)
6 weeks

Central idea
Using our imagination sparks joy and creativity.

Key concepts
Form, Perspective

Related concepts
N/A

Line of inquiry
1. What is imagination?
2. How we use our imagination to play with language?
3. The significance of word choice

Grade 2

Creative Expression (5)
6 weeks

Central idea
The Arts, in all their forms, can be used for creative self expression.

Key concepts
Form, Perspective

Related concepts
N/A

Line of inquiry
1. How artists use their imagination or original ideas to create something
2. How we can express our feelings, thoughts and ideas through the arts
3. Art has different forms – visual, performing and literary

 

Grade 3

Myths (3)
9 weeks

Central idea
Creativity can be expressed through performance and design

Key concepts
Perspective, Function

Related concepts
N/A

Line of inquiry
1. Elements of expression
2. The purpose of myths and traditional stories
3. How we can apply design thinking

 

Grade 4

Creative Messages (1)
5 weeks

Central idea
Messages and perspectives are communicated through language

Key concepts
Perspective, Form

Related concepts
Form – Expression
Perspective – Communication

Line of inquiry
1. Forms of poetry
2. How figurative language can be used to express ideas
3. How the artist and the audience may have a different perspective

Grade 5

Innovation (6): Creative Writing and Unit
6 weeks

Central idea
Scientific and creative thinking skills are used to solve problems and inform personal and community decisions

Key concepts
Function, Causation, Change

Related concepts
Causation – Innovation, Problem solving
Function – Design, Technology

Line of inquiry
1. Innovation as a response to changes in personal and community needs
2. How science, creativity and design are connected
3. How we can use our knowledge and skills to design potential solutions