Your web browser might not work well with our site. We recommend you upgrade your browser.
/classroom/5331171 Customize URL
My students love to create art! They thrive on making beautiful art pieces like the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and Georgia O'Keeffe, and they love experimenting with new mediums they've never used before such as watercolor and oil pastels. Paper projects like Matisse's bring out their imaginative ideas and allow students who may not be successful in other areas shine through their creativity. With funding for resources like aluminum wire and construction paper, they will be able to create more artistic projects, such as wire sculptures in the style of Alexander Calder. To celebrate students' creativity, these pieces are displayed throughout the school for all to see This communicates the idea that all students can be successful in their own special ways. Having an abundance of art materials would also allow me to lead students in creative projects that support regular classroom topics. Classroom teachers often do not have time to incorporate visual and performing arts activities into their lessons, but we all know that many students learn more when all learning modalities are addressed. Because I collaborate with the teachers in my school to supplement classroom instruction, I often find projects that would perfectly compliment their lessons. For example, when 5th grade studies Native Americans, we create a story using the symbols used in tribes on “buffalo” hide. Students use heavy duty construction paper and oil pastels to create a more authentic presentation. Another project that I use with all students is the creation of relief sculptures using tin foil, yarn, and cardboard. These types of activities make lessons designed to teach about art elements that are fun and memorable, and they can often be related to classroom content as well.
Read more