Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center

Our three reading specialists, Mrs. Dawn Weidner, Mrs. Kate Aurentz, and Mrs. Meredith Weisman each school day are posting grade level read-alouds.  In addition, they have and will continue to post reading mini-lessons and practice activities. 

Please email one of the reading specialists, if there is something specific that you would love to see.

Please click here for Reading Specialists Suite Resources

Students in kindergarten are introduced to visual arts through an experiential process that utilizes a variety of techniques, tools, and media. The elementary art curriculum, grade one through grade four, sequentially builds upon the elements of art and the principles of design. Students are continually introduced to artists, their styles, art vocabulary, and traditional and contemporary methods of creative expression. Lessons are often integrated into various grade-level curricula, which emphasizes and reinforces classroom subject matter.

Students in kindergarten meet in the art room for thirty minutes each six-day cycle. All other students meet for forty-five minutes each six-day cycle.

Each school year culminates with a district-wide art exhibit that features artwork from every child in the elementary level. By nurturing self-expression, imagination, and involvement in the creative process, the Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center is committed to lifelong learning through active participation in the arts.
 

All students participate in general music classes where they are introduced to the elements of music. The curriculum is sequential and based on the Pennsylvania State Music Standards and MENC suggested guidelines. Students will have the opportunity to experience the essential elements of music, which include rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and expressive qualities. The ability to sing, create, read, write, move, and listen to music with understanding is the goal of the elementary student.

Students in kindergarten will have music for thirty minutes per cycle, and first graders will have music for two thirty-minute sessions per cycle. Music class for second, third, and fourth graders will occur for forty-five minutes per cycle.

Third-grade students will learn the basic skills of playing the recorder and will have the opportunity to be selected for the All-Star Recorder Ensemble. Elementary Chorus begins in grade 3 and continues through grade 6; it consists of one semester of Chorus each school year. All third-grade students will participate in chorus during the second semester and will sing and play their recorders in the Spring Concert. Third-grade chorus takes place for forty-five minutes each cycle. Opportunities for select choral ensembles and solos are available during the elementary years.
Elementary Strings

Instruction begins in Grade 3 and continues through Grade 6. Instructional lessons are offered during the school day, once per six-day cycle. Orchestra is held once per cycle in the Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center and twice each cycle in the West Reading Elementary Center.

ELEMENTARY BAND
Instruction begins in Grade 4 and continues through Grade 6. Instructional lessons are offered during the school day, twice each cycle. Band is held once per cycle in each of the elementary centers.

Students will have the opportunity to play a band instrument in fourth grade. A parent meeting will be held in the fall for students interested in playing a band instrument. Each student will receive a thirty-minute lesson and will attend a forty-five minute band rehearsal each cycle. Technique and the basics of music theory will be introduced to the students. Students will perform various styles of music at both the Winter and Spring Concerts. Fourth-grade students will also participate in a chorus rehearsal for forty-five minutes each cycle and will perform at the Winter Concert.
String Music for Grades 3-6

The string program provides students the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to play a string instrument, as well as, develop responsibility, confidence, and friendships. Students that are interested in playing a string instrument have the opportunity to begin in grades 3 through 6. Each student participates in a half-hour small group lesson and a forty-five-minute orchestra rehearsal in grades 3 and 4, and two half-hour sessions in grades 5 and 6.

THIRD GRADE ORCHESTRA
The third-grade orchestra is an opportunity for beginning string students to utilize newly acquired skills. Technique, music theory, and music history are introduced and discussed in a "kid-friendly" manner. Different styles of music are selected to be performed in the winter and spring concerts.
Fourth-Grade Orchestra

This group provides students that have been studying a string instrument for at least a year to perform in a large group. Skills and knowledge are enhanced and broadened through the practice and performance of various styles of music. These students perform at the winter and spring concerts.
String Ensemble

The ensemble allows students that are in fourth grade and studying with a private teacher to utilize their advanced skills. Students perform more challenging music and are encouraged to add interpretive elements to their playing. These students perform in the winter and spring concerts and other school opportunities.

The overall goal of our first- through fourth-grade physical education (P.E.) program is to:

• Develop the skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities.
• To have students participate regularly in physical activities and to view these pursuits as life-long activities.
• To enhance students’ self-esteem as they become physically fit.
• To have students recognize the benefits of participation in physical activities.

To coordinate physical education activities with the units being studied in other subject areas as a means of curriculum integration.

Units of study are divided into three areas, which are allotted one 45-minute class per six-day cycle for 12 weeks. First grade meets two times in a six-day cycle for one 30-minute and one 45-minute class. Second, third, and fourth grades will meet one time in a six-day cycle for 45-minutes.

FALL ACTIVITIES

• Locomotor skills, drills, and introductory games
• Ball skills, drills, and introductory games
• Fitness test
• Soccer
• Cooperation games
• Running and relay games

WINTER ACTIVITIES

• Tumbling skills
• Folk dance
• Lummi sticks
• Volleyball
• Gymnastics and tumbling
• Basketball
• Newcomb skills, drills, and introductory games

SPRING ACTIVITIES

• Tag games
• Kick ball
• Circuit training
• Whiffle ball
• T-ball
• Relays

Through out the physical education program, cooperation, good sportsmanship, leadership, trust, and respect are emphasized. Children love and are very eager to attend P.E. classes during the school year. Remember to stay fit!