Art is an essential part of today’s total curriculum. Art matters today more than ever. It helps our students make sense of the world and allows them to respond to these uncertain times. By providing an outlet for creative thoughts, ideas, and emotions to be expressed, we hold space for student’s voices to be heard, seen, and valued.
Art pushes and challenges the creative side of the brain. In our studio, we create a safe and comfortable environment for students to explore and learn the process of making art. They are exposed to different materials and a variety of techniques and have the freedom to use these to form their own unique styles. Students learn that art is social, communicative, therapeutic, and problem solving. The artists are challenged creatively and face choices every day to open up and share their individual talents. Together we process and together we begin to master our skill. Our goal is to inspire and help them to gain confidence in themselves and find joy in creating for the sake of creating. In the end, we hope that each student can say, “I am an artist”.
The creation process is a PROCESS. Please help your child develop confidence in the process and in themselves by remaining positive with what they create. Mistakes are okay, making bad art is okay. Not making art… is not okay.
Please help your child want to continue to explore the arts through encouragement and interest. It’s okay to not know what they’re making or if they are discouraged by the outcome. Tell them “they’re doing a great job and to just keep their hand moving”. Celebrate the little and big victories and acknowledge their growth. Sometimes perseverance is a better victory than a perfect drawing.
The art experience is focused on process, progress, effort, and completion of assignments with good craftsmanship. We welcome every artist where they are. Each project offers choice and differentiation, so that the beginner can take small steps, and the seasoned artist can dive deep. Initial projects help us to get to know the students and their skill and style. From there, we take an individual approach to helping them grow. Rubrics for final projects will be explained before and throughout the creation process. For notes and practice work, students will earn credit for completion, exploration, growth, and effort. If the student shows up, tries, has a good attitude, and turns in the work they will be successful in the art studio. *NO previous experience required!
Q will be updated OFTEN. Please check it for missing assignments. *We progress through the class with instruction when most students are finished. I understand that some students take a bit longer to make art. This is OKAY. When we move on to another unit, a missing assignment may show up in Q and make the grade “look” bad. This is done to remind the student to complete the assignment and turn it in. They are able to earn full credit for work they have taken longer to complete. It is the responsibility of the student to complete missing assignments on their own time. This can be in the morning, at lunch (Mon-Wed), or at home.
Email: for specific questions and inquiries about anything! mcadle@opusd.org
Q: To monitor student grades.
Instagram: to see photos of student work and class progress. @mrs_cadle_artteacher_mcms