My students have a strong pride in their school. Our school motto, "Power of the Herd," embodies the qualities honorable, enthusiastic, responsible and determined to succeed at school and graduate a powerful force in our community. Students try to overemphasize the good at school because outside of school, many roadblocks such as family, money and work can get in the way of their graduation goals.
Even with low graduation rates, my students use their creative thinking in amazing ways.
Students get inspired by their experiences and the world around them, and try to find ways to overcome any odds and land right side up. I can only hope to be an added tool to help them succeed in life, school and in their art!
My Project
This year my goal is to emphasize "contrast" in my students' art. As the first semester is coming to an end, I have reflected on my teaching and my students' art. My notes indicated a common missing skill, "contrast"! Many students are being timid and safe when creating their drawings and hesitating to push their drawing to the next level in terms of highlights and darkness. I want to take pencil away for awhile and have them only use charcoal.
Charcoal is a simple material that brings to light the importance of contrast in art.
It's rich in darkness, easy to manipulate with the right tools and materials and provides instant contrast. We plan on going downtown to take reference photos that show natural contrast. Then we will try to replicate the contrast in their own art.
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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 Mrs. Gentry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
