All students can learn, but students learn in different ways and at different times and the
instructional strategies at SIS are in harmony with these fundamental principles. The
program provides a variety of teaching practices which are appropriate for the students'
differing learning styles, the subject matter and the expected learning results. Students
work both independently and in a variety of group settings. Emphasis is on higher level
thinking skills that involve integration of skills and using previous knowledge to create
and enrich their understanding of their world and the human condition. Direct instruction
regarding the skills and conventions are used in conjunction with hands-on creative
experiences.
 | The emphasis is on the individual creating and negotiating meaning from different artistic stimuli through group interaction in a community of learners. At every stage of the program student choice and ownership is central.
A variety of methods is used for introducing musical concepts and developing musical
skills. Although concepts may be introduced one by one, a combination of skills is used
in any performance or classroom activity. Since children learn best by actively
experiencing music, singing and playing activities are emphasized.
| Both can be introduced through imitation (echo singing or playing) or using what the student has learned about reading music (direction, rhythm, intervals, duration, etc.) Written worksheets are used to reinforce concepts which have been introduced. Listening lessons
are used regularly to introduce music by the world's great composers as well as to
broaden the student's knowledge of musical style. Opportunities for choosing appropriate
expressive qualities are given whenever a child sings or plays a classroom instrument.
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