I teach art to middle school students who have special needs, ranging from a variety of cognitive disabilities to students who experience emotional and behavioral challenges. My school is a Title I school in Brooklyn, and many of my students face a housing and financial insecurity as well.
This is the first year that my school has had an art program in eight years, and the students are eager and excited about the arts!
As a new teacher, I have already seen the arts bring out sides of students that teachers had not seen before. For example, I have had students who are non-verbal discover new ways to communicate their ideas through art; I have seen students who struggle in other academic areas become leaders in art class; and I consistently see students with behavioral issues and have difficulty focusing, become fully engaged in hands-on art-making.
It is clear that my students benefit greatly from the arts! It not only gives them new tools for communication and expression, but it also provides new opportunities for students to experience success, develop confidence, and develop a strong sense of self.
My Project
This year my students are engaged in blended learning and attend school both remotely and in person. Since students are no longer able to share art materials, to maintain safety protocols I need to put together drawing kits for each of my students. With these essential drawing supplies, my students will be able to create quality work both at home and in school and discover new ways to express themselves.
Drawing is the foundation of art-making, and this year students will explore a wide variety of drawing styles and develop new drawing skills.
Students will use pencils, erasers, and ink pens to explore the art of comics and illustrate imaginative stories of their own. Students will also learn to render realistic still life drawings of meaningful objects using compressed and vine charcoal.
My students truly love learning to express themselves in new mediums, and with these supplies, they will continue to develop new skills and tools for self-expression.
Nearly all 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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