Art Materials Inspire Excellent Presentations of Work

"Presentation is one of the fundamental traits that make a project or piece of writing outstanding.  With the budget cuts this year, any art materials that students have to use on their work will either come from the school's very meager offerings, or from a cache of treasures donated by you.

I a..." more»

"Presentation is one of the fundamental traits that make a project or piece of writing outstanding.  With the budget cuts this year, any art materials that students have to use on their work will either come from the school's very meager offerings, or from a cache of treasures donated by you.

I am a multiple subjects, third grade teacher in a K-5, urban, elementary school.  Many of the students here are English language learners who speak a lot of Spanish in their homes. Our school has a balanced focus on art and academics, teaching art skills in labs, and using art as a method for integrating curriculum.

I have found that great materials produce great results.  It is because great materials inspire students to new heights of creativity that they wouldn't find by using a box of 16 crayons.  We are asking our students to perform higher and achieve more than ever before, while resources continue shrinking.  Teachers are not the only ones feeling the pressure.  Students want to bring everything they've got to the "table", but cannot do their best without motivation and materials.  It is up to us to do everything we can for them to help them along their way.

In my classroom, we will share these materials so that everyone doesn't have to have one of their own.  This helps to create good social skills, and teaches children the importance of taking good care of classroom resources. Children learn to organize items so they will be in good shape for the next person using them. They are taught to be respectful and careful so everything will last for a long time. 

 We need an assortment of basic (and some frivolous) art materials that can be used by individuals and groups when completing projects. Examples where art integrates well with academics are in the writing of poetry and completion of work with related border drawings, illustrating a personal narrative, drawing and showing equivalent fractions, or journal writing with illustrations over several weeks to show the growth of a plant.  Art can be used in so many ways to inspire students to make a finished product sensational.

Your donation will allow my students to really enjoy what they have to do, and inspire them to do their very best work.  The donation will bring forth a feeling of pride in workmanship in their little hearts.  Don't you think that would be great? hide»