A mural capturing the concept of Community was unveiled at Connors Elementary School in Lewiston last week. Created as part of a Side x Side arts-integrated program for fifth graders, it was a collaboration between art teacher Kelsey Boucher, classroom teachers Ms. Griffin and Mr. Purvis, and teaching artist Jill Osgood. Students learned how to

Third graders at Ocean Avenue Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side program led by teaching artist Gretchen Berg that integrated a science unit on extreme weather with physical theater. Students learned to use physical theater to tell stories about the science of extreme weather and explore weather’s impact on communities.

Third graders at Rowe Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program that integrated a Wabanaki studies unit on salmon with sculpture and performance. With teaching artist Cat LaBarre, students created salmon sculptures using papier-mâché and paint to realistically depict their fish. They attached wooden dowels to the salmon to turn them into

Fourth graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program integrating a science and literacy unit on Maine owls with printmaking and drawing. First, students learned about the adaptations that allow Great Horned, Barred, Saw-Whet, and Snowy owls to survive: hearing, eyesight, talons, beaks, and feathers. They then worked with Side x

Pre-K students at Lyseth Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side program led by teaching artist Meg Christie. Integrated with a literacy unit and titled, “You’ve Got This!” students worked on emotional awareness, impulse control, managing disappointment, and identifying the size of the problem through stories, movement, and improv activities and games.

Fifth graders at Ocean Avenue Elementary School recently participated in a Side x Side program integrating art with a Wabanaki studies unit. The program kicked off with a visit to the Osher Map Library at the University of Southern Maine. Following the field trip, students worked with teaching artist Anne Ackerman over the course of several

Fourth graders at East End Community School recently participating in an arts-integrated Side x Side program called, “Poetic Forms and Inspiring Minds.” A collaboration between Side x Side teaching artist Leah Cross and classroom teachers, students wrote original poetry and used drawing, watercolor, and collage to visually represent their poems and the inspiration behind them.

Earlier this school year, first grade teachers at Ocean Avenue Elementary School collaborated with Side x Side on a “Who We Are” International Baccalaureate (IB) unit. Working with Side x Side teaching artist Sarah Boyden, students created inquiry notebooks with self-portrait puppets and puppet theaters to use throughout the school year.