4th Grade Masks

Were are just about finished with the paper mache portion of the project. Several students have moved on to painting their entire mask a single color. They can then move on to design and pattern after they have finished their solid color and no newspaper shows through.

Student Teaching Blog #6

Assessment is very important in art, just like any other subject, however, I think it really goes overlooked and that could be one of the little reasons that art lacks credibility in the world of education. A valid technique to assess students work on a regular basis can begin by simply handing out artwork to your students. A few art teachers (including my cooperating teacher) handout artwork to students one-by-one. They call their name and that student will come up to get their artwork. This gives the teacher another opportunity to review where the student is in their art project and make the needed comments of encouragement or observation. I feel that this is beneficial in several ways. One, it helps us connect artwork with student. Two, we catch mistakes or misunderstandings before a student continues with the work or completes it. And it gives us a moment of one-on-one interaction right before the student begins working, so hopefully they will keep your words in mind. Three, we can see how students interpreted our instruction, and quickly make changes in our lesson plan if needed so we can be better teachers. I really like this way of passing out artwork to students and beginning work time. It also helps me learn students' names.

During our professional development time we are also beginning to conduct data analysis. I am doing this in third grade with my cooperating teacher. We gave every third grade class a pre-test regarding our next still life unit. This was a five question test. Next, we recorded all of the scores for each question in a spreadsheet format. I found this hard to read visually, so I graphed all of this information to charts. Now we can easily recognize which class needs to review tints, shade, intermediate colors, etc. My cooperating teacher also liked the charts.

I have also started to conduct my own data analysis with a unit on weaving that I am introducing with a second grade class. I have already given them a pre-test before I introduced the weaving unit. I will give them a mid-test assessment before I leave my elementary placement. I will then do a comparative analysis and graph this information. If all goes well, I will have evidence of achievement with my teaching. It will also be a good experience to share with future employers during job interviews.

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".

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.