Visual and Performing Arts
Arts are infused into the curriculum at every level at University Cooperative School.
Through drama, instrumental music, singing, dance, and movement, our students learn different forms of expression and cultivate their imaginations. Our program recognizes each creative voice and nurtures and expands each child’s ability to work productively in a group of peers.
Visual Arts
The visual arts program promotes confidence with materials, techniques, skills, and a genuine enjoyment of the creative process. Each student is challenged to closely observe, experiment, make decisions, and find personal meaning in their work. Every student has opportunities to draw, paint, sculpt, and experiment with printmaking, ceramics, and technology. Art projects are routinely linked to learning in other disciplines and inspired by field trips.
Music
Music class is a joyful journey where students explore the wonders of sound! Our youngest students experience a Kodäly pedagogy (ear training pedagogy consisting of world, folk, and contemporary music, incorporating singing games and basic musical elements). Later, they are introduced to reading notes and scales.
Pre-K through fifth grade students learn how to play the Ukulele. They also explore making music in many ways, including marimba, glockenspiel, drums, and various percussion instruments, building instruments, singing with our voices, or even using our hands. Students practice making beats and rhythms, repeating patterns, and playing music in rounds and harmony.
Third through fifth grade students can take an additional music elective and join our Rock Band class. Here, children try different instruments, such as electric guitar, keyboard, and amplified instruments. They experience different aspects of being in a band, from performing in front of an audience to creating merchandise and music video production.
This past year, our music students:
Made music together every week during our Friday All-School Sing
Worked with a producer to record the songs they learned during Rock Band
Played a rock show in front of a live audience at a venue in Seattle
Gave solo performances
Provided musical accompaniment during school plays and Arts Showcase
Drama
We love helping all children find their voice and shine on stage! Our drama and dance program helps kids build confidence, work together as a team, energize their presence and focus, and be fully embodied in their lives.
Pre-K Drama
Pre-K students thrive in a world of imagination. Through dramatic play, dress-up, and storytelling, they build confidence, empathy, and self-expression. As they explore imaginary worlds, students also learn to see things from others’ perspectives and work together as a group.
Kindergarten through Second Grade Drama
Drama in kindergarten through second grade is focused on process, creativity, imagination, and physical expressiveness. K-2 students tap into both performance skills and social-emotional skills. Kids grapple with big emotions and questions, and sometimes the best way to deal with that is through facing the “Ice Ogres” on a make-believe adventure. We choose stories and situations that will help students navigate the developmental tasks they’re working on. We practice creative problem-solving and teamwork, and express big emotions in a safe space. Our K-2 theater arts program culminates in the annual K-2 spring play.
Third through Fifth Grade Drama
In third through fifth grade, we dive into acting training, exploring how to use our bodies and voices to create characters and tell stories on stage. We cover the elements of dramatic storytelling and theater terminology. Through extensive improvisation, students experiment with different characters, dynamics, environments, and circumstances, building empathy and compassion by stepping into ‘someone else’s shoes.’ They then apply these skills in three grade-level plays they co-create and develop together.
Dance
In the Kindergarten through Fifth Grade dance program, we explore everything from ballet basics, to jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, and modern. The kids are constantly working on choreography, our favorite way to teach dance. In one 50-minute class, these kids can learn a whole dance!