The cost of this proposal for a variety of books about art and artists that will help introduce second-graders in East New York to famous artists, such as Michelangelo, and important periods in art history, such as Impressionism, is $280, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>. The students will use the books and their new art library for research and as a jumping-off point for fun art projects.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
This summer I had the opportunity to visit some of Europe's finest museums. It was amazing to be able to see the Mona Lisa, to walk around sculptures by Michelangelo and see them from all sides, and to visit Monet's garden. The experience inspired me to create a unit that will introduce my second-graders to paintings and sculptures they may never have seen, and that will combine a bit of book research and study with a chance to explore creative expression based on the study and observation of art.
Many of my students have not traveled beyond Brooklyn's boundaries. I am determined to help them have the experience of looking at art and to help them learn about it through looking at art books. My plan is to take them on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and to create a comprehensive classroom art library of appropriately leveled art books for them to use. I want to further help my students explore art by having them put some of what they have looked at and learned about into action. Just imagine, second-graders in East New York making a Degas dancer out of clay or lying down under their desks and drawing as if they were Michelangelo. My idea is to focus on hands-on art activities that really bring the process of making art to life.
First, however, I need to create my classroom art library and I am asking for funding to purchase art books. Every unit or activity in early elementary education starts with books. This new unit, that covers a variety of artists, periods and styles, requires a comprehensive book collection. The books I am asking for include books about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, Matisse and Picasso, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Frieda Kahlo, as well as books about the Impressionists and different aspects of art.
My hope is that by teaching the students about individual artists and important periods and styles, I will provide them with a foundation that will allow them to appreciate art throughout their lives, and perhaps eventually experience the awe of art as I did this summer.
Thank you.
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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. Cox and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.