I have been teaching art for 10 years and have taught all age levels. 7th grade is by far the coolest age to teach art to. Our 7th graders are excited to learn art and take on new challenges without a second thought. They are eager to please and have a strong desire to create. Our small, rural farm town has instilled in our students a strong sense of self respect, educational discovery and treating peers and adults with kindness. Not a day goes by I don't get thanked at the end of class for teaching them.
In our school all 7th graders are required to take art.
I am completely amazed with how many approach our art class with such dedication even though many HAVE to be there. On average, at the conclusion of the semester, I have at least 75% say they will take 8th grade art on their exit survey. Our students approach creating with such enthusiasm and focus that they are actually learning off the advanced 9-10 grade art curriculum, many times achieving the same or better results as my former high school students. My students inspire me daily, with them school is never work!
My Project
Students will create awesome fused glass pendant necklaces that they will be able to wrap with wire and put on a hemp necklace that THEY braid! Students will have the opportunity to learn the glass fusing techniques of full fuse and tack fuse.
Most art students don't have the opportunity to do jewelry art until high school if that.
The bonus of working with glass and wire is that the cutting of the glass and bending of the wire really fosters students dexterity with intricate materials, teaching them a different set of hand eye coordination that drawing and painting cannot.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mr. Hamilton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
