Celebrating the Arts Every Week at the District 123 Early Learning Center

September 14-20 is National Arts in Education Week, but at the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 Early Learning Center, the arts are celebrated throughout the year and are a part of everyday learning. Each week, preschoolers explore creativity through play, imagination, and hands-on discovery.

From painting at the easel and making collages, to peeling stickers and practicing cutting, students are strengthening fine motor skills while expressing themselves. Music comes alive as children tap rhythm sticks to a beat as they learn about patterns, experiment with instruments outdoors, and move to the rhythm together with friends.

The arts also support early literacy and learning to help children grow. Currently at the ELC, students are practicing tracing letters with their fingers before using dot markers to highlight the first letter of their name, and they are exploring drawing freely during choice time. Dramatic play takes center stage, too, with mirrors that let imaginations run wild and storytelling come to life.

Through these playful experiences, students are not only expressing themselves artistically but also building foundational skills in problem-solving, coordination, language, and confidence.

“At the ELC, the arts are truly woven into the heart of learning. We love helping our Little Lions grow, discover, and shine each day,” said Nicole Petschenko, Instructional Coach and Family Resource Support Specialist at the D123 Early Learning Center.

Families can extend the fun at home by setting up a simple art station with paper and crayons, playing music and tapping along to the beat, or letting students use stickers and collage materials to create their own masterpieces. Any small opportunity for creative play at home can help students carry their love of the arts beyond the classroom.