I have the privilege of teaching art at not one, but two Title I elementary schools in a rural district. Between the two, there are roughly 700 students in grades Kindergarten through 6th. Because my time is split between two schools, I generally only see my students once every two weeks, so I try to make every single moment of class meaningful.
Even though Art Class looks a lot different from previous years, my students are still eager to learn, create, and explore new ideas.
Rather than students coming to my classroom, I come to them with what I like to call Art on a Cart. Traveling from classroom to classroom pushing a cart fully loaded with art supplies, not to mention teaching resources, is an art in and of itself! The excitement my students express when it is time for art class is well worth the effort.
My Project
When introducing a new topic of study, I use a variety of visuals to inspire and motivate students. Slideshows, videos, and stories are regularly incorporated into my lessons. Reading a book about an artist, a particular style, or technique is an effective way to spark interest and help students develop a deeper appreciation of art. Sharing books and stories in art class also adds an element of fun to the experience. Students who are enthralled by an anthropomorphic pair of artists, such as those in Nina Laden’s picture book When Pigasso Met Mootisse, are going to be able to go home and tell their families all about Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.
Reading during classes that students don’t typically associate with books or reading demonstrates to students that literacy encompasses all subject areas and helps to foster a culture of reading throughout the entire school.
Providing students with books is just as important as providing them with paints, paper, and glue sticks. The books chosen for this project will assist in supplying students with the background knowledge they need to effectively examine and experience art and the academic vocabulary that will help them express their observations, opinions, and ideas.
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