Help me give my students markers, sketch pads, and colored pencils to think critically, problem solve and express themselves through art during this challenging time.
I teach an integrated visual arts program for grades 3-5 in a specialized school. All of my students are special needs and have a wide range of abilities and skills, as well as a passion for art, which is a vehicle for their learning. My goal has been to foster independence in my students and to create an environment that nurtures and strengthens that independence, while building skills and confidence that they then carry on to all other subjects. The majority of my students come from high poverty areas, as well, making my art class the only experience most of them have with the arts. I want to continue to make it as meaningful and enriching as possible, while making them independent thinkers, creative problem solvers, and building their self esteem.
Since mid March my students have been learning remotely due to the pandemic, which has hit New York City particularly hard.
Distance learning has proven a difficult challenge for my students, as they lack the materials and resources they need to continue to create art at home. Many lack even paper and pencils, much less crayons and markers, the basic supplies that would get them through art class.
My Project
As the visual arts teacher and primary source of arts learning and appreciation, I have a responsibility to my children to continue to nurture their growth in skills, confidence, and personal expression. My students, dependent on my classroom for supplies, have had to rely on whatever they had at hand as of March 13th.
These art supplies will enable them to continue the journey we began in September at home.
Now they will not only be able to create art, more importantly, they will also use it as a vehicle helping them to navigate this unprecedented time in our history.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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