My students need light-boards which will allow them to trace their sketches or photos. No matter the ability, light-boards increase student creativity and production.
Students are feverishly tracing photos of themselves, creating patterns which they will paint. Self portrait patterns are just one lesson designed to increase creativity and artistic skill. Light-boards will make this lesson happen for my students, high schoolers who are bright and engaged.
Students at my high school, an urban academic magnet, are incredible examples of achievement.
They travel from the far reaches of town to get to our small school. Listening to them chat is amazing. One day, while making art, a table of kids quizzed each other on multi-digit multiplication. Another day, they discussed the possibility of life on other planets. This is an international school, where we have visiting students from other countries as well as diplomats who come to speak. Our students have a high graduation rate and most go onto college. Each child is a success story. Art is a great way for these academically oriented students to exercise their creativity. Thinking outside the box is the challenge I place on them every day. Most accept the challenge and students are enriched by the arts classes we offer.
My Project
I knew I needed light-boards last year, my 3rd year here, when we did lessons which involved tracing designs the students came up with. In my old school, I had huge windows and never needed light-boards. But, here, the art room is in the lower level and our windows are up high, making tracing onto watercolor paper impossible. Pattern design is a lesson that teaches so much on many levels. I teach pattern design in my crafts and art classes. Students are inspired by patterns from around the world. They also learn about the textile industry and use math. I teach a version of this lesson each year. In the coming year, students will take photos of themselves and trace them repeatedly with colored sharpies on large watercolor paper. They will then use watercolor washes over their designs. I am excited about this plan but know the lesson cannot be taught unless I get hold of some light-boards for my students.
Artistic ability is not an issue when students trace and create patterns.
Yet, skill development increases tremendously. Tracing teaches students how to direct a line. This control makes for a sense of comfort with drawing. Without even knowing it, they get better at drawing when they trace. Having light-boards will help with this process and make art lessons more robust and student centered. With your help, my students will gain confidence and creativity this year and in future years.
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
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 Mrs. Fitzpatrick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"PA","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":4,"name":"High School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/illuminating-creativity-with-light-board/1281496/","mayHaveReplacements":false,"numStudents":120,"isEquityFocusV1":true,"teacherScreenName":"Mrs. Fitzpatrick","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"1590966390","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":true,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"Philadelphia","teachersOnPage":[370208],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":1281496,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":48949,"schoolName":"William W Bodine High School","authorIds":{"370208":{"owner":"Mrs. Fitzpatrick","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[1281496],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp370208_orig.png?crop=1050,1050,x0,y52&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1692499064314","teacherHasProfilePhoto":true,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":21,"teacherChallengeId":194855,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":["MjY3Nzg0OQ==","MTkyMTQxMQ==","MjMyNDA2MA==","MjYxODk3NA==","MTgwNzkzOQ==","MjM4MTM2MA==","MjY3MDQ2MA==","MjY0NTk1Ng==","MTc1MDExNA==","MTQxMTE4Ng==","MjY1NzUxOA==","Mzc1NTIw","NDIwMTM3","MjAxODU4NA==","MTY0MzUzNg==","MjA0OTU5MA==","MjQ3NzIwOA==","NjQwMDg5"],"teacherId":370208,"schoolCounty":"Philadelphia","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"PA","name":"Pennsylvania"}}
