Leading a Lesson

Attend the training so that you have all the best information about the artist and the art project. Some lessons have problematic elements that need to be addressed. Sometimes the art project requires a little tweak (or a complete rewrite). The volunteer training will address all of these issues and give volunteers the information they need to have a great lesson.

This is also a place to meet the other fantastic volunteers you will be working with. We have a lot of repeat faces. Come get to know a few!

Arrive early for your lesson, about 10-15 minutes or so. That will give you enough time to check in at the office with the Raptor system, stash your personal effects in the volunteer work room, check the art cart for supplies, and to meet with the other volunteers. Most lessons need two volunteers. Up to four volunteers are welcome per classroom.

Once you have everything you need, head up to your lesson. You will need to connect the art lit laptop to the monitor in the classroom. The teachers can help you, if needed.

There is no wrong way to make art. If the kids are engaged and making something in a constructive way, the lesson is successful. Don't fall into the trap of forcing kids to make replicas of the example. Let them create whatever inspires them, so long as it is in some way tied to the lesson.

Art is not compulsory. If there is a student who does not want to make art, redirect them to a book or classwork that may need to be finished. Most of the time kids will want to create something. For the few kids who don't want to participate, ask the teacher what is most appropriate for those students to do.