Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Creative Movement
Beginning in the elementary grades, the fine arts curriculum provides a basic foundation of the concepts and skills in the visual arts, music, drama, and creative movement. As students progress to middle school, the approach to the arts is broadened. Middle school students participate in several elective arts classes throughout the year, including the middle school musical, band, Jazz Band, World Drumming, Choreography, Filmmaking, Digital Photography, and Sculpture. Many aspects of the arts curriculum are designed to correlate with classroom studies, which provides a creative dimension to the academic classroom environment.
At Canton Country Day School, the arts are integrated into the curriculum. The core curriculum is often taught through an art form. This means students might learn geometry by creating abstract art or study history by writing and performing a play or creating a video using a greenscreen. The learning environment is one of discovery and hands-on participation. Rather than passively receiving information, students are active participants who use creative problem-solving skills to understand academic concepts. An arts-focused approach addresses the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of students. It nurtures creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression. Canton Country Day School offers a range of arts learning experiences in both visual and performing arts. Arts instruction takes place in specially equipped spaces for music, visual arts, dance, and drama, providing students with the necessary supplies and environment to thrive. The curriculum is aligned with national or state arts standards while also leaving ample room for imagination and personal expression.
Student artwork is displayed on walls, performances are regularly showcased, and the arts are an integral part of the school’s identity.The environment fosters collaboration among students, who learn to work cooperatively in groups on creative projects. The school encourages collaboration between the community, families, and students. This can include partnerships with local artists, performances, or museum visits. Students feel supported and encouraged to take risks and explore possibilities in a positive classroom environment.
Students Appreciate Dramatic Performances and An Understanding of Theater
Visual Art
This component of our curriculum increases students’ awareness of the wide spectrum of visual arts. This includes creative self-expression, developing skills and manipulating media techniques and processes, understanding the arts in relation to history and culture, and recognizing the characteristics and merits of one’s own artwork and that of others.
Music
Through Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly methods, children learn the elements of music: rhythm, melody, expression, tone color, style, harmony, and form. Experiences include singing, listening, playing instruments, moving to music, reading, and improvising. Children demonstrate these music skills at performances.
Junior Choir
The ensemble includes singers in Kindergarten through second grade. Junior Choir offers a deeper understanding of vocal techniques. Children are exposed to music which they do not experience in General Music class.
CCDS Choir
The ensemble features singers in third through eighth grade. Intermediate Choir offers a deeper understanding of choral techniques, and children are exposed to music which they do not experience in General Music class.
Movement
Children love to move and learn through the use of the whole self. They need to become familiar with the language of dance in order to use their bodies in a way to express themselves, communicate and in relation to others. Creating dances and movement provide them with the skills they will need to learn dance in the future and give each child a way to celebrate their humanity.
Library
The Canton Country Day School library program grows with students from preschool through middle school, nurturing a lifelong love of reading and research. Early learners explore books through story time, singing, and activities that introduce authors, illustrators, and the basics of fiction and nonfiction. In the Lower and Intermediate Schools, students build research and library skills through games, scavenger hunts, and INFOhio, while also enjoying opportunities for independent reading and book fairs. Middle Schoolers expand these skills with a focus on digital citizenship, media literacy, and guided research projects. Across all levels, the library fosters creativity, independence, and inclusivity, supporting both academic growth and the joy of reading.
Performing Opportunities
At Canton Country Day, students of all ages are encouraged to share their creativity and talents through a variety of performances and showcases. Our youngest learners (PK–2) delight audiences with Music and Movement programs inspired by children’s literature, while third graders present a dynamic Native American program and fourth graders shine in their Underground Railroad showcase. As students grow, they participate in band and choir concerts, visual art shows, and the highly anticipated Middle School Musical, all of which celebrate both individual expression and collaborative achievement. These opportunities not only build confidence and stage presence but also foster a deep appreciation for the arts as an essential part of the CCDS experience.
INSTITUTIONS OF CCDS ALUMNI
