My students need various art supplies like paints, brushes, paper, beads, feathers, Play-Doh, clay and chalk to explore, create and demonstrate learning through art.
I want my students to learn more than facts and figures. They need to think critically and be able to creatively solve complex problems. By infusing the arts in academic areas, students can use their creativity to explore, experiment and demonstrate their learning in engaging ways.
My school is a Title I school, which means that a large percentage of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Coming from low-income homes, many students do not have access to art supplies beyond markers and crayons. And just like most schools across the country, art funds have been cut. However, students come alive when given the opportunity to be creative and use new materials. Many of them struggle in academic areas and shut down when pushed to learn using traditional methods. They respond best to hands-on lessons that incorporate as many of the senses as possible and allow students to express themselves through various art mediums. Furthermore, my students often struggle to express themselves and behave in an appropriate manner. Collaborating on projects with peers provides valuable time for practicing appropriate social skills and learning to be part of a team. All of these experiences are vital for creating confident students who will become lifelong learners.
My Project
I envision a classroom where students take charge of their learning and are engaged in authentic learning experiences. We begin each lesson by posing a question or problem. How can we become better readers? If you were in charge of a new city, what would you have in it and where would each place be located? By infusing art into academic tasks, all students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of material. Students who struggle with written responses are able to show what they know through art. When looking around, students will be completing simple tasks such as practicing letter formations with Play-Doh. Others are painting sight words. Some students are working collaboratively to create a mural of their town. Writers will be crafting illustrations to enhance their stories. Another group of students are practicing addition with beads on fuzzy sticks. Though different, each activity allows students to engage in inquiry based learning in meaningful ways.
Having sufficient art materials will provide more opportunities for infusing art within inquiry based learning.
Focusing on students strengths and empowering them with choices will build their confidence and allow them to find joy in learning. This joy will foster a more positive attitude toward school and will carry them through the times they struggle. Kindergarten is the first experience many kids have with school and the impression made during this critical year will last a lifetime.
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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. Menendez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.