Fourth Grade
Fourth graders explore the curriculum through overarching themes of change integrated across subject areas and through the arts. Students are immersed in the history and culture of North Carolina through various role plays, re-enactments, and the arts. In math, we bring fundamental concepts to life through storytelling and authentic, real-world applications. We use the scientific method to encourage critical thinking skills. Students collaborate to research and write their own lines for our original play, The Incredible Journey, based on the cycles of the moon and themes of friendship and belonging. Students also create script adaptations after reading The Little Prince together and build puppet stages to film individual scenes they have created in small groups. There is a focus in fourth grade on creating a culture of respect and a community in which students are encouraged to reflect on their work. A value is placed on independent problem solving and collaboration in productive learning teams.
About the Fourth Grade Staff
Anne earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Salem College. She has worked as a classroom assistant in Buncombe County Schools for 8 years and has experience as a homeschooling parent as well. Anne is currently pursuing her teaching license. Anne has lived in WNC since 1995. Anne is a fiber artist who enjoys making things with her hands along with hiking, gardening, and yoga.
Katie earned her BA in Human Development from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. After moving to Asheville in 2012 Katie went on to receive her teaching license at UNC Asheville and has taught third grade for the past four years. She is very excited to join the ArtSpace team and is looking forward to incorporating her love of the arts in the classroom. Katie was drawn to the school’s emphasis on creativity and the imagination it fosters. On the weekends, Katie can be found with her dog, her two cats, her daughter Charlotte and her partner Max. Together they enjoy hiking in the mountains, riding their bikes, or floating down the French Broad River.
Sheila holds a BA in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Reading, both obtained from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has certification in Exceptional Children as well and has taught in Elementary and EC settings over the past twenty-three years. She has spent the bulk of her career as an ELA teacher and has a passion for building a love of reading. She spends time gardening, running, yoga, exploring nature, and reading various types of literature. This community provides so many opportunities for personal growth in these areas, and can be found in the learning environment she helps to create for her students. She is excited to join the ArtSpace family. She is looking forward to the opportunity to integrate the Arts into an ELA and Social Studies environment that is both engaging and impactful.