Electives

The following are typical elective classes offered at White Oak School. The courses offered are dependent upon scheduling, staffing, and student interest. At least 2 different electives are offered each semester.

Art All Grades (1/2 Year: .25 Credit; 1 Year: .5 credit)

Students explore a variety of media and materials and investigate their artistic interests. Students receive direct instruction and opportunities to understand and practice the elements of art and principles of design. They work to develop skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, fabric design, papermaking, and sculpture. Art history, appreciation, and art literacy are additional areas of focus. Pottery is also incorporated periodically into the class. Students explore the processes of creating functional and/or artistic clay projects that include preparing the clay, utilizing a variety of techniques (pinch, slab, coil, and throwing on the wheel) to construct functional and/or sculptural forms, and glazing and firing. Design elements (pattern, form, color, rhythm, balance, etc.) and historical pottery references are key areas of instruction, practice, and class discussions. Assignments increase in complexity and level of difficulty as students move into older grades. Emphasis is placed upon developing a unique, personal style. Students will increase their knowledge of art history and art processes, techniques, methods, and materials.

Culinary Arts (1/2 Year: .25 Credit; 1 Year: .5 credit)

Basic knowledge of nutrition and training in food preparation are covered in this class. Baking and cooking basics, measurement skills, meal planning, supermarket strategies, and proper dining etiquette are also key areas of focus. Students will create weekly menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will explore recipes and cook and bake a variety of dishes as preparation for living independently in the future. These students also contribute to periodic events on campus, giving them the opportunity to showcase what they have learned in class.

Drama (1/2 Year: .25 Credit; 1 Year: .5 credit)

Confidence building, socialization, and development of teamwork skills are the goals of the White Oak Drama program. All students are invited to participate and are given any necessary support to do so; it is an inclusive program. Students are introduced to all aspects of a dramatic production with emphases on improving memory, articulation, enunciation, intonation, acting, and pragmatic skills. Also included are scene studies, prop design and construction, set design, and costuming. As an annual event, students participate in the performance and full production of a play for the benefit of the White Oak School and Community.