Creativity Shines At Mt. Horeb School

WARREN, NJ — The hallways and classrooms are bustling with energy and activity on any given day at Mt. Horeb School. Visitors might hear the sweet sounds of cellos and violins from the music room, witness a Kindergarten teacher demonstrating letter formation, or even catch the pure joy of preschool playtime.

Elementary Art Teacher, Mrs. Susan Sage, has designed her room to prioritize focus and
relaxation during her class.

"My biggest goal this year is to create an environment of tranquility so that when children enter
my room, it's a space to learn in which they are in a peaceful state of mind. I play meditation
music in my classroom all day to create a calm and relaxed atmosphere. I incorporate flowers,
pumpkins, and things from nature to draw and paint to enhance the feeling of calm," said Sage.

During the week of Sept. 19, Sage’s students embarked on a still-life project of a sunflower bouquet - sunflowers that Sage planted last spring in the courtyard at Mt. Horeb School.

Sage requested that the children show her their best ‘Mona Lisa’ to gain their attention at the start of the period. Reacting to her request, the students calmly took their seats, folded their hands in front of themselves, quieted their voices, and centered their attention on Sage.

Following a group demonstration, the students were free to begin their projects. Sage circled the room to provide support to each child. Sage expressed her appreciation for each child’s project by indicating what she liked or complimenting their technique.

As the students complete their projects, Sage will hang each masterpiece for all to enjoy and to
add to the creative aesthetic that makes up Mt. Horeb School.

— Submitted by Warren Township Schools