My south Seattle middle school students have shown an astonishing enthusiasm for creativity. Each day I am impressed by the level of skill, learning ability and perseverance that my middle schoolers demonstrate. Many of my students were unable to participate in the arts at the elementary or pre-k level. Most are coming in with little to no knowledge of visual arts curriculum or standards. However, they have not allowed their lack of experience stop them from engaging in the daily creative practices.
Like any other area in life, my middle schoolers are beginning to understand that making mistakes does not mean the end of the world as they know it.
Instead they are learning that failures lead to a deeper understanding of what success means.
Many 6th-8th grade students are at an age where they begin to compare themselves to others in a variety of ways. Art is not excluded from the comparison epidemic. This year we have discussed extensively the importance persisting through challenges and welcoming imperfection. As a first year teacher I have attempted to make my art room a place that welcomes and even encourages failure. In doing this, I have watched my students blossom into artisans.
My Project
Being new to Seattle Public Schools, I did not know what to expect when it came to classroom budgets. I was not all too shocked to find out that I did not have any classroom budget when coming into my position this year as a middle school art teacher. My storage closets are full of odds and ends that have been collected by various teachers over several years. However, something that the school does not have in supply is paint, white paper, markers, pens, colored pencils, etc. I would consider all of these supplies to be basic necessities in the art room! My goal is to provide students with a well rounded arts education. I believe that they deserve to be exposed to different mediums, materials, experiences, etc. I do not intend to do this to create more professional artists in the world.
I want to encourage students to become creative, well-rounded humans, and critical thinkers who lead productive lives.
Many of my students have not had the chance to experience visual arts in their homes, community or even at their previous elementary schools. Most of my students are learning about the arts for the first time in their middle school years. So, these materials will go towards ALL projects completed in my classroom. These materials will help my students to render portraits, paint landscapes, construct collage compositions, craft pop art inspired artwork, and SO much more. By donating to this project you will help 250 students to create many pieces of artwork that may change their outlook on life and school.
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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. Wayment and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
