A typical day in my classroom is FUN in all capitals! I try to create an atmosphere that celebrates everyone's creativity- and one in which every student wants to participate to their fullest! As a teacher my top goal is to inspire my students to make things...to use their hands and to create!
The middle school where I teach is a gifted magnet known for its ethnic diversity and strong academic profile.
My students are smart, engaged and eager to dive in to my hands-on art projects that give them an opportunity to design, build and create-not just draw and paint!
My arts classroom includes Gifted, English as a Second Language Learners, and special needs children with a variety of learning disabilities. I love that we all make art together in (mostly!) harmony and happiness. These young people may have different needs, challenges, and personal histories, yet the arts enable them to share a common thread, as they discover the magic and delight of making something beautiful and useful with their own hands.
My Project
These 72 rolls of duct tape rolls will enable my students to create in ways they never dreamed possible! The most beloved activity they will do with the tape is to make duct tape wallets of their own design-billfolds, tri-folds, clutches with inner pockets and personalized decorative details. While projects are entirely crafted from duct tape, students begin the design process by creating a 3-dimensional model/pattern out of paper and masking tape. Besides the wallet project, students also learn to create beautiful roses made from duct tape and lastly, they create an advanced project of their own choosing. Past designs have included a wearable vest made from One Direction duct tape, a backpack from paint splatter duct tape, and a Super Mario inspired purse in neon green, black and white! They learn that art making and designing are processes-and that their hard work can produce a functional work of art that truly expresses their personality and creativity.
Duct tape truly engages my students, making learning more meaningful and relevant in their lives.
When you make something that you truly love, and that you are proud of, it can be a life changing moment! Students who may think they have no real need for reading and math skills must access written directions and use a ruler for measuring tape. Suddenly, they are agents of their own learning and more active participants in the classroom. Duct tape provides an unforgettable journey in their lives!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Purdy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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