My classroom pumps out creativity all day long. Our motto is Creativity NOT Conformity, and we subscribe to the notion that art is NEVER wrong! The hallway gallery is filled with students masterpieces. Traditional art supplies reach most students but my pre-k special needs class needs more.
Who are these students?
They are 10 fantastic 3 - 5 year old boys and girls. Most students are Developmentally Delayed and a few are on the Autism Spectrum. Our school embraces the arts. Every year we have a Renaissance Night where over 75% of the schools families come for a night of creativity. Throughout the year I provide students with the opportunity to not only find, but embrace their creativity and nurture their artistic talents.
Throughout the year we use traditional and non-traditional mediums as we learn about art history, artistic styles, and technique. This is the first year we have had a pre-k unit. These students have used a variety of tools, ranging from charcoal to clay, in the art room this year as well. But I am not reaching all of them.
After researching ideas that will help engage these students in my art room I came up with a wish list.
My Project
When creating this wish list I focused on the senses. Several of the Crayola products incorporate music into the art. When the students create their art on these devices, music plays activating other senses. Stimulating their ears, eyes, and tactile senses at the same time. Brilliant! Working with a variety of malleable mediums was another focus. Model magic is great because it can be reused or left out to harden without the need for a kiln. I like white because the students can use makers to color their own pieces. Moon sand just feels good and creates an entirely different feeling on finger tips. I love the sensory black out tent. Combined with Crayola's glow in the dark art activities, this one-person activity allows students to have their own private space to explore some fantastically colorful art experiences. These art supplies will help engage my pre-k students in a new and creative ways. As teachers we are always looking to reach each student. A bigger palette helps!
Art enriches the world.
Expressing ourselves helps us stay connected. We are all born creative. Really, we are. Staying connected with this creativity is the hard part, and the key for the growth and the evolution of the human race. Sometimes we lose touch with that creativity. Or, with students with special needs, it hasn't been accessed yet. With the right supplies and activities we can help pull out these students' creativity, not only enriching their lives, but the world around them.
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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. Elliston and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.