In OPS, our art curriculum is based on carefully planned and sequenced learning goals. We often hear the comment that these goals are quite ambitious for young students. Indeed they are! The Omaha Public School District has invested resources and time in developing an award-winning curriculum and a staff of art specialists who are committed to helping every student achieve every goal. For students with special needs, we have worked with special education teachers to incorporate these goals into lessons that fit different developmental levels.

Here are some ways you can enrich your child's art experiences.

• Take time to notice the beauty around you and talk about it with your child.
• Visit art museums and galleries together as a family. (The Joslyn is open every Saturday, and admission is free between 10 a.m. and noon; it's a great time to go!)
• Ask your student to tell you about the art s/he brings home. Most importantly, let your child proudly describe what s/he has made. Then you might ask if s/he "met" a special artist, talked about landscape...
• When you speak about art class, please refer to it in the same manner you would any other class; as an important part of the school curriculum.
• Look over the grade level vocabulary words. When it seems natural, you might use some of them in conversation with your child.