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".

Student Teaching Post #1

I feel that I am just a bit away from reaching the thick of the most daunting part of it all. Job searching, digging, and deciphering through various application processes are ahead and will soon be in full throttle. I guess I never thought that it would be starting so soon. In the school setting, time passes so swiftly....I know it is swift by the feeling of my exhaustion. I truly hope that I can get a job in a school that values art education and supports it. However, I am also realizing how important it is to be involved in the groups/boards/committees that one is directly affected by. I am just beginning to know the interior and exterior roles of support. Teaching is a lifestyle, I am not daunted by this because I have already begun to embrace it.

Teaching at the Museum was a very pivotal part of my life. As well as teaching art classes for individuals with disabilities. The staff in both of these settings taught me so much and the atmospheres were truly enlightening. Due to budgets, there was no getting on full time. Art is something that has been so vital in my life that I want to be that advocate - I want everyone to have the opportunity to create art. Going back to school and getting my teaching license was my ticket to teach art everyday in the public school setting. Teaching at these locations also gave me the opportunity to get a heads up on all the things that I needed learn about teaching - so I came ready with questions! Reflecting on all the classes, papers, and discussions.... I can say I do feel like I have come miles - but I can already tell that my student teaching experience is going to be a gem - even after the rough terrain.

A few days before I started student teaching I began to separate the interiors of my closet. On the left - jeans and tees, on the right -teaching attire. I still feel like nothing I have is nice enough. Which is probably because most of it is from second hand stores. But I have been comparing my wardrobe to other teachers at school and I am pretty sure that I am up to par. I think it has more to do with me getting used to the professional attire. I am such a jeans and tee shirt kind of gal. I know I'll find my niche - I should probably just splurge a bit and buy a few new items.

BLOG # 19: Course Reflection

I really enjoyed learning about all of the contemporary artists from In the Making. As an art teacher I know I really need to keep up with what is going on in the art world. I should also buff up on my art history as well. I am a bit nervous about what positions may be available for me when I graduate. I think I really need to be ready to jump in to the education system as soon as I have the opportunity and just do the best that I can with the resources that I have. I have learned that every classroom can be so different. I was so impressed with some of the art that secondary students were creating. Getting back into a high school classroom really helped to remind me of where I was as person when I was in high school. I know that I want to teach high school students and I am so excited to try out my lesson plans.

BLOG # 18: Helping Students Foster a Positive Sense of Self-Identity

I think it is important that we develop meaningful relationships and really know who are students are in order for us to help them foster a positive sense of self-identity. Having our students use sketchbook journals is a great tool to encourage introspection. As a teacher, positively responding to our students' ideas and perspectives can also help cultivate an encouraging learning environment. Planning lessons that directly deal with the self is also an imperative aspect of bring self-identity to the menu for discussion. Sharing other influencing artists whose work is strongly guided by self-identity can be valuable as well. I think it can be enlightening for students when they hear about the stories of other artists and the challenges that they dealt with throughout their lives. The topic of identity looms with us throughout our lives. As we change and grow, our identities shift and morph to fit our new outlooks.

Blog #17: Collaboration

I was really interested in Ken Vieth's Contemporary Conceptualization of a Totem Pole project. It is a collaborative project that still represents each student on an individual level. However, the magic of the work exists when all the pieces are joined together to form one piece of art. Students also obtain unity through the use of color and the task of assembling each image in order to form a whole. The totem poles are composed from symbolic images that represent each student and embody aspects of their identity and personality.

I love that this collaborative project also calls for displaying the finished product in a public place. I found this sample image in From Ordinary to Extraordinary interesting to look at. Although many of the pieces reveal an expansive variety of shapes, they all visually cooperate with one another.