Students have options this year.
In addition to upper-level learning, artists can choose to specialize in a particular medium or style, or learn a broad range of artistic methods.
Daily Draw
Artists will sketch a small drawing each day, using a different prompt each time. In addition to a drawing task, the slide provided includes a visual example, academic art vocabulary, introduction to an artist, and a quote. This practice is important to envision artwork and develop ideas.
The time allotted for student's Daily Draws grows with each grade, so 8th graders get 8 minutes to draw. Some days this is a challenge and a lesson in persistence.
8th graders will complete Daily Draw activities during instructional days only. Studio days will be reserved for their own creations.
Studio Time
Studio time evolves again in 8th grade to allow artists the chance to either explore an idea in-depth or to explore a wide variety of artistic ideas. This Choose Your Own Art-venture style of learning is student-driven and mastery-based. This means that students get to choose the content for their learning, and they can move on once they have proven proficiency in that area. You can find much more information on the Art-venture page.
Before launching our Art-ventures, we will use 1st Quarter to refine our use of the Elements of Art. These skills are essential for successful independent work later in 8th grade, and are required skills for High School Art.
Reflection Questions
These quick reflections are based on the Studio Habits as seen in our grading rubric. We cover aesthetics, art criticism, art history, and art production. The ability to reflect on our work, accept feedback, engage in constructive criticism, and use academic vocabulary is emphasized.
8th grade artists will continue these reflection questions daily, including studio days.
Choose Your Own Art-Venture
Choose Your Own Art-Ventures were piloted last year with much success. This year, content for Art-Ventures is posted as a subpage under 8th Grade Art on this website where you can preview topics and content is available at any time. Paper copies of Art-Venture content and Mastery Checks are always available upon request.
Daily Work
Because of the independent structure and variety of Art-ventures in 8th-grade, students must document their daily work. I will give feedback regularly using their Daily Work Slides, and this can be a two-way conversation. Moving into high school, students will create a digital portfolio of their own, and this practice will make the transition much easier.
Parents will be able to view their child's work and teacher feedback if they are listed as a Guardian in Google Classroom.
Google Classroom
This year Google Classroom will be an essential tool for artists to stay organized and on schedule. Google Classroom will manage deadlines and Daily Work, while instructional material(s) can be found on the Art-Venture link here. You can request to be a guardian on your child's Google Classroom by sending me an email at acraw@poynette.k12.wi.us
Enjoy a sample of artwork from 8th grade artists past & present.