My classroom is a chaotic symphony. Students sit by their friends, music is playing, there is constant motion as students move about to get the materials they need, or to find someone who can help solve a problem. It is often hard to find me as I'm likely seated with a student, engaged in a process.
My students are so diverse; it is impossible to describe them except to say that they are the most open minded empathetic group of young people you would ever like to meet.
Some of our students are homeless, many of our students have parents who work in agriculture, some work in technology and still others have parents who work at the university. We have students who are second language learners and some who choose to take a second language as their elective.
I'm fortunate to teach 6th, 7th and 8th graders in mixed grade level classes. I love this arrangement because the older students show the younger students the ropes, and provide examples of advanced student work, while the younger students are really still very childlike, just on the cusp of adolescence, not yet terribly self-conscious, and more willing to play and take risks. They offer a balance for each other that lends itself to fantastically creative work.
My Project
Students will be creating a spirit animal self-portrait. We will study some of the many Native American cultures that have the belief that a person is assigned an animal upon the time of birth.
Students will reflect upon their values, and choose animals within the Native American narratives that share similar values and personality traits.
We will learn specific colored pencil techniques such as layering, blending, stipple, and smudge. We will use these techniques in combination with our pattern studies to create unique portraits of ourselves.
My students need colored pencils, blenders and erasers. Our old sets are worn out and broken. Students put in more effort with quality supplies.
Students will be able to tell the difference between the school grade colored pencils they usually get to work with and the Prismacolors that professionals use.
Quality materials for students make all the difference between art works that get left behind, crumpled and tossed out as opposed to being framed and treasured for years.
These portraits will be matted and hung in a regional Youth Art Month Show.
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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 Ms. Crocetti and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.