Do you ever remember making something in art class that you took home with you and used practically everyday? Is it something that you were proud to show everyone and always had a big smile on your face when you did? Well, that scenario perfectly describes my students when they create a custom duct tape wallet!
The public middle school where I teach is a gifted magnet known for its ethnic diversity and strong academic profile.
My arts classroom includes everyone-even gifted, ESL, and special needs children. My curriculum is multicultural and projects-based and students assist and support each other's learning often during projects such as origami, the Japanese art of paper folding or when they create large scale Pop Art paper mache sculptures. My students all have different needs, challenges, and personal histories, yet the arts truly engage them and bond them collectively. Unfortunately, the last few years have meant major cuts to the art budget, making it increasingly difficult to secure the resources we need without seeking grants or donations. Yet year after year we persevere to keep our vibrant arts curriculum alive!
My Project
I have requested 60 rolls of colorful and patterned duct tape for my five art classes of approximately 38 students each. The most beloved activity they will do with the duct tape is to make duct tape wallets, but we have also made roses, and designed an original pair of glasses in past years! Students have even created Pop Art inspired duct tape creations like seaweed wrapped sushi or 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 are motivated to become agents of their own learning and more active participants in the classroom. Hurray!
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! Duct tape rocks!
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 has a cool factor that appeals to every student, at every achievement level, while sparking creativity, broadening math and English skills, and revealing the wonder in the artistic process. What a joy to witness the success students feel when creating this functional object that reflects their personal aesthetic, too!
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