Reflections Arts Program 2011 - 2012
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"Diversity Means ..." is the theme for the fall 2011 National PTA Reflections arts program.
Parents, relax! Don't worry if your K-2 student cannot say or spell "diversity." Our children already have some basic knowledge about the concept of diversity if not the word itself, and this theme is an invitation to deepen that understanding. In general, diversity refers to variety and differences. While ethnic/cultural diversity often comes to mind first, the children may consider any subject they know that relates to any kind of diversity, for example biological diversity. Your home may be the best place to start a conversation about diversity. Look at your child's recent artwork and/or photos taken by your child. Perhaps your child drew a picture of different kinds of flowers, dinosaurs, or sea life. Perhaps your child photographed different types of birds, plants, trees, insects, butterflies, etc. You can point out how these images illustrate variety and differences. Laugh when you consider when there is NOT a diversity of opinion in your family. And ask your child some questions for which diversity is part of the answer, for example: Are all animals carnivores? Is all life in the ocean the same color, shape, or size? Is there only one kind of teacher? Do all people speak the same language? Are all dogs the same? Is there only one way to make music? One way to dance? Only one kind of planet? Make up your own questions. Have fun with it. You may spark some great ideas.
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All Penn London students (K - 2) are invited to submit original work in the following Reflections categories:
- Musical Composition
- Dance Choreography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Photography
- Visual Arts (e.g., drawing, painting, prints, collages, metal etching, fiber work, computer-generated artwork, etc.)
Outside judges will select school-wide finalists in each arts category, and selected works will advance to further competition at the regional and potentially the state and national levels. Entries will be due on Wednesday, October 12th, 2011.
Forms and instructions in Spanish are available at www.ptareflections.org. Information for special education students who opt to have visual arts or photography entries judged in the "Specified Category" is available at www.papta.org.
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AT HOME ACTIVITIES:
The
"Fill in the Blank" document prompts students to consider this year's
Reflections theme. Students may create Reflections reminders, or simple
decorative signs for home, the classroom, friends or family.
The
"Handwriting Practice Paper" is offered to encourage more WRITING for
the Reflections "Literature" category. Your child may enjoy
downloading this paper template to begin a story, poem, or other written
work for Reflections.
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Diversity Means |
Handwriting Practice Paper |
History
The National PTA Reflections program started in 1969 with an initiative by the President of the Colorado PTA. For over 40 years, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. In 2009, when the Reflections theme was "Beauty Is...", Pennsylvania students created 17,465 Reflections entries. Today, Reflections promotes arts education through local school programs like Penn London's. The National PTA uses selected Reflections entries in an online gallery as well as various exhibits to promote arts education around the country.
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