I try to do art projects with my students. We work on texture, line, & space. Unfortunately, my school doesn't provide supplies & I haven't gotten construction paper in 3 years. What I've saved & bought myself has run out. I think it's important to teach art even though it seems to be a "dying art"
My students are under prerforming and they deserve to get a well-rounded education.
Too often, nowadays, we sacrifice everything to show performance on the test. Math and reading is VERY important and we work really hard and are bringing our scores up. However, a well rounded student, one who has background knowledge in art, science, and social studies, is going to have a better chance at having that deeper understanding of reading, for example. I want my students to have those experiences, too. Just because they struggle and need extra help does not mean they should not be exposed to art.
My Project
I use construction paper primarily in art, but I also use it in other subjects as well. Oftentimes we will create a poster and use construction paper. My students do not always demonstrate pride in their work, perhaps because they do not have a lot at home. We talk about art, line design, making things "pop", using neatness, complimentary colors and space not just in art, but to create a visually pleasing poster. They do not have the means at home, so I provide it to them.
My students are given the opportunity to learn what may not otherwise be taught.
Both in the way that they do something simple, like design a poster, to learning the elements of art that will help them be better prepared for high school (and hopefully college). I want to help students be well rounded, so that they have a better understanding of the world outside of the classroom. Art is just one way I can do that.
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