36-Week Curriculum Supplement
Specials: Art, Music, Physical Education & Health
A 36-week enrichment program — about 90 minutes per subject per week — that advances creative and physical development with more complex skills, independent projects, and collaborative experiences.
Visual Art
Master elements of art and principles of design while developing observational drawing skills and exploring art in historical and cultural contexts.
Homeschool Edition
Specials Riders — Homeschool Edition
Three lighter rider plans designed for homeschool families. Each subject runs on a 4-quarter year arc with a weekly menu of activity options — pick what fits your space, time, and child's interests.
Adapted from the Third Grade Specials Riders curriculum document (PE • Art • Music).
Recommended Weekly Schedule
Physical Education
3 sessions/week · 30 min each
90 min total/week
Art
1–2 sessions/week · 45 min each
45–90 min total/week
Music
1–2 sessions/week · 30 min each
30–60 min total/week
Art Rider — Make Something Every Week.
1–2 sessions/week · 45 min each · 45–90 min total
Materials
- Drawing: pencils, erasers, sharpener, rulers, paper (white and colored), sketchbook.
- Coloring: crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolor paints + brushes.
- Mixed media: glue, tape, scissors, magazines (for collage).
- 3D: clay (air-dry or play dough), aluminum foil, cardboard, recyclables.
- Display: portfolio folder, picture frames or push-pins, camera/phone for photos.
Year-End Art Portfolio & Rubric
- 8–12 finished works total (2–3 from each quarter).
- Each work labeled: title, date, medium, brief reflection.
- One portfolio cover page with name, grade, year.
- Use of line, shape, color, texture, AND 3D shown across portfolio.
- Recognition of 4 art periods/styles.
| Outcome | 4 Excellent | 3 Required | 2 Approaching | 1 Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio count | 12+ works | 8–11 | 5–7 | < 5 |
| Variety of media | Used 6+ | Used 4–5 | Used 2–3 | Used 1 |
| Effort | Excellent | Good | Inconsistent | Limited |
| Knows 4 periods | All 4 + extras | All 4 | 2–3 | 0–1 |
Year-End Art Score: ___ / 16
Cross-Cutting Projects
Multi-week, integrated experiences
students are ready for projects that weave art, music, and movement together with academic content.
Cultural Arts Exhibition
Research and create art, music, and dance from one culture, ending in a mini-exhibition.
Olympic Games Unit
Study the history, create artwork, compose an 'anthem,' and design movement games inspired by Olympic events.
Nature-Inspired Creation
Combine outdoor observations, natural-material art, soundscapes, and animal-movement studies.
Digital Portfolio
Document growth across the year with photos, recordings, and student reflections.
Student Leadership
Roles that build ownership
Rotating responsibilities give students meaningful chances to lead, organize, and mentor peers.
Teaching Assistants
Students help demonstrate techniques to peers.
Equipment Managers
Rotate responsibility for materials setup & cleanup.
Warm-Up Leaders
Take turns leading physical or musical warm-ups.
Exhibition Curators
Organize and present class artwork.
Game Designers
Create modifications to physical activities.