Student Teaching Post #5

I feel that it is imperative that we employ contemporary culture into our art lesson plans. I really love to brows through Art Education magazines - Many of the lessons are things that teachers are currently having success with in their classroom. If I don't want to follow the entire lesson, it's a great way to spark ideas and give me a jumping off point when I want to try something new. I love the Art 21 videos - although some content may not be appropriate for even the high school level, many of the artists pieces can be shown. I recently went to the PBS website for Art 21 and ordered the teaching manuals for FREE. They are great too! They can help cushion you into introducing contemporary art and all the elements it includes. I also enjoy the Scholastic Art issues - I love to read them myself. I would love to offer this magazine to my students! Current events can be another source of inspiration for art projects. It is important for students to be a part of and react to/interact with what is going on in the world.

Student Teaching Blog #4

Respect is a big factor in classroom rules. It is vital that students respect each other. I want my classroom to be an environment where my students ALL feel comfortable expressing their ideas. It is important that students are quiet when another student is talking or if I am talking. I hope to incorporate efficient systems to manage materials. I need to set rules regarding the cleaning, storage, and disposal of numerous materials. There will be certain rules that are always in place, however, somethings may have to fluctuate depending on the art project and materials involved. I need to be very clear on these rules and vocalize them to students. It is important that students respect the materials that they use. This is important for safety and future use of materials, especially if there is a tight budget. I think it is vital to have art materials in an accessible space for students - as well as organized so students have easy access to materials. In order to facilitate a positive art making experience, students need to be able to have access to materials and feel welcome in their environment. I plan on having my walls filled with explanatory posters, art, and much more. I think a warm and welcoming physical space is an aspect of creating a positive environment.

Student Teaching Blog #3

When approaching planning and teaching to diverse learners, I think it is important to know your students. I hope to find out how they can function on their highest levels and create their best work. By knowing about the diverse learners in the classroom, I will be more prepared to plan for alterations in the delivery of content, what materials can be used, the structure of the project and time for completion. It's important to find areas that they are successful in and draw upon those areas. I also think it is valuable to continue to strengthen any areas of weakness.

My cooperating teacher has about 4 tall chairs and a rocking chair - we utilize these about every day. Some students have a tough time focusing during demonstrations or instruction, so we let them sit in these special chairs. Sometimes a student needs a break or needs something to help them relax and refocus, the rocking chair is very helpful for this. The chemistry of the room is very important too. I have found that some students need their own space that is more private and away from the group. Sometimes other classmates pose difficulties and distractions to a student. I always try to be aware of students interactions. If a student is struggling with the project I always try to explain it using a different approach and try to provoke ideas from the student to make the project meaningful through their eyes.

Student Teaching Post #2

Fine Arts Night - We showcased about 1800 works of art!

I think my most memorable classes were those that posed the greatest challenges. Doing things that I never realized that I was capable of helped me set higher expectations for myself. Clear guidelines and expectation that were visible in assignment handouts always helped me out. It felt more meaningful to me if I knew that the teacher really thought out what he/she wanted students to learn, how students would learn it, and how students would show what they learned.

I feel so privileged to be at my student teaching location. I walked into quite a crazy time- two weeks before Fine Arts Night. I did my best to jump right in and be as much help as possible. The night went great and students performed solo or in small ensembles in the library. My collaborating teacher is quite the art advocate. She notified the local newspaper of the event and today I read a lovely letter from a parent recollecting the night (sent as a letter to the editor). I think this school is one of the few that actually have a Fine Arts Night event. Having artwork ALL over all the walls really changes the atmosphere of the school. It reminded of an article I read about Reggio Amilia and the importance of the students presence that is visible throughout the school. One of the most important aspect about the event was that students (5th, 4th, and 3rd graders) helped us hang a majority of the show - which we all know is an imperative part of exhibiting artwork.

My cooperating teacher's expectation are very apparent through observation of her instruction. Solid introductions to lessons and connections to the core "big ideas" help facilitate these expectations. After observing for over 2 weeks I feel more comfortable and know some of the habits that are prevalent in certain grades (examples: corner suns, labeling people, thought bubbles, glitter use). My cooperating teacher has no problem halting a project and having students redo work if necessary, in order to get their "personal best".