Emily Dickinson wrote, "The Possible's slow fuse is lit by the Imagination." This illustrates how the arts can open up a world of possibilities to those hungry to express and create. Please help my art students discover the value, pleasure, and usefulness of making something with their own hands!
The middle school where I teach is a gifted magnet known for its ethnic diversity and strong academic profile.
Yet we are continually besieged by cuts each year, making it increasingly difficult to maintain the quality and resources within our curriculum that we have offered in the past. My arts classroom includes gifted, ESL, and special needs children, and I love that we all make art together in spite of everything and (mostly) in harmony! My students 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 creating art and craft both independently and collaboratively.
My Project
I have requested 60 rolls of colorful and patterned duct tape for my five Art classes of approximately 35 students each. The most beloved activity they will do with the tape is to make duct tape wallets, but we also make jewelry (rose rings) and wearable art like flip flops and ties. Students have even created Pop Art inspired duct tape creations like seaweed wrapped sushi and french fries and a cheeseburger!
Duct tape truly engages my students, making learning meaningful and relevant in their lives. Students who have seen no real need for English and math skills must access written directions and use a ruler to measure. Suddenly, they become motivated to become agents of their own learning and more active participants in the classroom.
I glow when I hear from past students now in high school who have continued their love of duct tape and progressed to becoming budding entrepreneurs, selling their wallets on craft sites and earning money for college!
It is vital that students see themselves as creative participants in this world and that their learning reflects their interests, cultures, and traditions.
The medium of duct tape magnifies their skills, enhances creativity, and reveals the discovery and wonder in the artistic process. Students learn that by creating with duct tape they are able to offer something of beauty and value to others and ultimately to themselves.
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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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