A typical day in my classroom is a blend of instruction and demonstration with a healthy helping of art studio time for personal art projects. Some of my students have not yet realized the inspiration that can come from the planning stage of the creative process. Sketchbooks would open this door.
My students come from a variety of backgrounds but the majority of my students have a wide range of experiences from outside the school day that range from sports, to art classes and travel.
My school is a positive, upbeat school full of hard working teachers that care about their students.
As the art teacher, I feel very supported by my staff. Teachers, parents and administration all support my program and see the importance of art in the school.
This year I am embarking on a new approach to the way I teach the upper grades. The focus of the art program has shifted to the process of making art and the creative process. By teaching students to develop their own creative process, they begin to realize that they can have a voice through their art.
My Project
Each time a student begins an art project, they will open their sketchbook and draw ideas or make lists of ideas. The sketchbook can be a place where they keep pictures they found that inspire them or thoughts about books they have read. Occasionally, students will be prompted to write or draw about a theme or respond to an artist's work.
This project will help my students feel more connected to each art project.
Their sketchbook will be their record of learning in art class. My students will begin to discover themselves in their art and their art will begin to come from the heart.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mrs. Valentine and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.