L'Ecole Française du Maine

Friday, November 16, 2012

Nature Works inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

Pebbles by Andy Goldsworthy

Pebbles and Hole by Andy Goldsworthy

Nature has been an on-going theme in our art classes these past few weeks…Studying the art of Andy Goldsworthy was a logical follow-up to the rest of our discoveries. The children first researched his life and his art in little groups. They were absolutely mesmerized by his work…he finds inspiration in nature and uses natural elements to do his sculptures and photographic work (stones, leaves, sticks…) In groups, the children discussed a project and the material they would need. We then went on an expedition in the forest to collect all they needed. Afterwards, they started working on their sculptures only using glue and thread as elements to unify their works. You can see the amazing sculptures that they have created in the hallway!- La classe de CM1 et CM2

Japanese Maple Leaves by Andy Goldsworthy

Ouisty the Oyster- student work

Emperor of Fall- student work

Everest Mountain climber Ed Webster

Mountain climber Ed Webster came to L'Ecole Française du Maine to tell the students all about his adventures hiking the Himalayan Mountains, including the highest peak- Everest. He gave 2 presentations, one to grades Kindergarten- Grade 1, and another to grades 2-5. Some parents also attended to hear the presentations. Ed's presentations were interactive and passionate, including photos and objects he brought back from his trips. He explained that life is very different; there are no roads or shops everywhere like here, no trees either, and people do not eat the same things we do or dress the way we do. But children are the same everywhere; they go to school, play and run around. The children were very excited by the idea of camping in the snow. He explained that it was a dream to climb as high as the planes fly, and that he had to work very hard to prepare for the hikes. Sometimes it was very hard, exhausting, and even dangerous. Sometimes he was scared, but with his guides, they encouraged one another, and they were able to reach the top. Before he left, the children were able to touch all of his gear: his shoes, his hammers, and ropes that made it to the top of Everest. Encore bravo et merci, Mr. Webster!

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Portland Symphony Orchestra Youth Concert- Tchaikovsky and the 1812 Overture

Our students were fortunate to attend this sold out performance on October 22nd at Merrill Auditorium.

From the PSO website: "This concert is devoted entirely to the music of one composer – Tchaikovsky! You’ll hear some of the greatest classical music ever written, and learn about one of the most famous Russian composers through a conversation between Robert Moody and an actor who portrays Tchaikovsky. We’ll recreate historical moments from the composer’s life and celebrate his place in musical history."

Preschool attends PSO Kinderconcert: Fire in the Big Top!

On the 17th of October, the preschool and kindergarten classes went to Freeport high school to watch their first kinderkonzert of the year. There was a professional brass band playing music just for us! We were very impressed! The band accompanied a story about two kids who were going to watch a circus. It was sometimes a little scary, especially when there was the tiger, but we enjoyed it a lot!

From the PSO website: "This new commission for narrator and brass quintet by composer Delvyn Case tells the story of Tom and Maggie, two children living in nineteenth-century Portland, who sneak off to watch the circus. Little do they know that they will have an adventure that they will never forget! Children and adults will delight in this interactive performance combining dramatic narration and exciting music."

Freeport High School Students Visit

Today, the class of CM1 and CM2 shared some reading and math skills with 7 senior high school students (French level 5). We are not sure who was the most intimidated. We taught them about French grammar and explained what " verbe transitif and intransitif " are. They taught us how to do a division in the English style!! We cannot wait to meet them again to share. And the moral was : It is better to learn a language when you are young because it is easier to understand. You may have the chance to meet these students. They have to spend 1 hr a week doing community service, which they plan to do her at L'Ecole Française du Maine. It will be great for the school to partner with them. Some of the high school students may come to help out at our Thanksgiving Luncheon, or with covering books in the library.

Uncle Sean's handiwork- chairs get a makeover

Thanks go to Beth's Uncle Sean, a mostly retired but still sought after master upholsterer. Sean originally came from Ireland, where he learned the trade, and his work is appreciated by many. In fact, when the Governor's Mansion/Blaine House was remodeled a few years back, Sean was asked to do all of the upholstery. Sean recently shared his skills to complete a makeover of stuffed child-sized chairs. These chairs had been at the school for over 6 years, and the fabric had become faded and worn. As the chairs are a little larger than typical children's chairs, they are ideal for children in early elementary grades. We would have been sad to see them go because this size is hard to find, so we are thankful they have been given a new life! The outcome is adorable, and sturdy- thank you so much Uncle Sean! Thanks also to Beth's mom who selected and donated the fabric, we know the kids will enjoy the chairs very much!

Sean Brosnan and Beth, in his workshop

Third graders test out the chairs in the library

Preschool Turkeys

The preschool children are getting ready for Thanksgiving. This week, we created turkeys to decorate our classroom. The Toute Petite and Petite section children painted the shape of a turkey and made the imprints of their hands in paint to create the wings. The Moyenne section students painted a plate to make the body of their turkey and cut out a circle in paper for the head. Then, they stuck feathers onto the plate. It was a lot of fun!

Ancient Greek Pottery

Students of CE1/CE2 (grades 2-3) studied red and black figure pottery in art. We talked about the pottery wheel, the shapes of vases according to their purpose, and the three-phase firing technique. Each student was in charge of "making" a vase out of the pizza cardboard and then reproducing the figure of his/her choice onto the cut cardboard. Make sure to take a moment to admire the beautiful Greek vases displayed in the hallway. -Bravo les artistes!

Hike up Bradbury Mountain State Park

The students in grades 2 and 3 took a hike up Bradbury Mountain on a beautiful fall day. On the way up, they made rubbings, and at the top of the mountain, they did paintings of the landscape.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Trip to Maine State Museum

The students in grades 2 and 3 took a trip to the Maine State Museum where they were able to see Native Americans artifacts first hand. They learned about the history of Maine and its industry; and viewed and sketched the wildlife of Maine. Students learned how to make rubbings and took part in a special activity at the museum. They ended the trip with a tour of the Capitol and a picnic lunch before heading back to school. It was a great day.

Halloweeen 2012

The streets of South Freeport were filled with superheroes, princesses, literary characters, animals, pirates and more on Halloween! The whole school community gathered on the school playground to share costumes before the annual parade to the Post Office for treats! The festivities continued on into the evening. Many school families went trick-or-treating in the village together while Beth and Willy gave out candy at the school. Graduates of the school returned to help distribute treats- namely Holly Golightly, Scarlet O'Hara, and a CanCan Dancer! Jack O'Lanterns lit the way and spooky music filled the streets; it was a night to remember. As you can see from the photo of the staff- Halloween is not just for kids!