Arts

Classroom Happenings: Artistic Expression

2/23/2026

The Steward School

In the classroom and on the stage

Lower School Art Teacher Emily Wolfe begins each class by gently leading her students in deep-breathing exercises. On a recent winter morning, she guided an energetic group of second graders in meditation before the students got to work crafting handmade puppets. The young artists were creating the puppets for a BlackBox Theatre play, “Three Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm,” directed by Lower School Theatre and Upper School Acting Teacher Craig Smith, who chairs the Fine Arts department. We caught up with Ms. Wolfe and Mr. Smith to learn how artistic expression enhances the Steward experience.

Ms. Wolfe, you lead your students in meditation before each class. Tell us about that.

Ms. Wolfe: We begin each class together with a mindful meditation, breathing exercise, or movement. This allows for a smooth transition into our creative practice. Mindfulness is a skill that requires consistent practice, and I aim to provide a foundation for students to develop their own mindfulness skills. My hope is that students take these skills with them when they leave my classroom and adapt them to fit their lives.

What are the key plot elements of “Three Fairy Tales,” and how do puppets help tell these stories?

Mr. Smith: These are classic fairy tales, filled with symbolism, heroes and villains, and themes of good vs. evil. Students delight in fairy tales as they work through these themes in class and act them out onstage.

The puppet characters — cats, donkeys, dogs, robbers, giants, kings, cooks, bakers — are one-of-a-kind and bursting with charm. What materials did students use to create their puppets?

Ms. Wolfe: We begin by making the heads of the puppets with paper and plaster strips. Once students know which character they will play, they begin painting and choosing elements to attach to their puppets. Students chose from a variety of materials, including wool for hair and fur, fabric for costumes, and a plethora of gems, buttons, and feathers. Students are guided in creating facial features and expressions using paint and Posca pens. They are encouraged to add flair and personality based on the way they imagine their character.

Collaboration is an integral part of a Steward education. How do teachers and students benefit from cross-disciplinary projects?

Mr. Smith: Our Lower School has always been interdisciplinary. Students discover that there are myriad ways to learn and to express themselves. Hands-on learning helps Spartans see the world — and their place in it — in new and exciting ways. When teachers collaborate, we, too, learn. It’s a great way to expand on our knowledge and discover fresh approaches to teaching and learning. Each Lower School play also coordinates with students’ academic studies.

What skills do students learn when they innovate in class and onstage?

Ms. Wolfe: All of art is innovative, and it’s a joy to witness our students as they blossom in art class. They learn to improvise and explore new ideas and techniques.

Mr. Smith: When our young Spartans take the stage for a rehearsal or performance, they discover the importance of pace, pitch, and inflection. Moreover, they are learning to trust themselves — and one another — onstage.

View the Steward Snaps from the Grade 2 puppet making and the Grade 2 BlackBox play.

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