Fairlands Art Docents (FAD)
Bringing art lessons to the classroom
What is FAD?
FAD is a volunteer-based art program that provides visual art enrichment in the classroom. Parent volunteers are provided grade-appropriate art lessons with pre-designed slideshows and material bins. They take the lessons to the classroom and teach the kids a variety of art lessons.
FAD explores art history, culture and different art movements while using different medium – pen, oil pastels, watercolor and acrylic paints and more. The lessons provide building blocks needed to progress into middle school and high school level visual art classes. There is an emphasis in vocabulary, concept and collaboration developed into the FAD curriculum.
With the state budget cuts, art teachers have been eliminated from the classroom. Our teachers struggle to find time and money to provide our kids with a comprehensive art program. FAD brings in lessons using different mediums that a teacher may not be able to afford to purchase for their classroom.
How can I help?
FAD needs volunteers in and outside the classroom. Each classroom volunteer commits to 5 training throughout the school year and 5 lessons. These teams will help set up the lessons, teach the lesson and cleanup the lesson.
What to do:
Communicate with the teacher to set up the lesson date
Watch the instructional video about the lesson
Bring the pre-organized art supply bin to the classroom
Walk students through the lesson step-by-step
Do I need a background in Art or Teaching?
Absolutely not! We have experienced docents that will train you on everything you need to know. The best side effect of FAD thus far is watching parent volunteers learn and explore art alongside their children. The teaching portion of the lessons are brief and you will be given detail written instructions as well as face to face instruction with our docents.
I don't feel comfortable speaking in front of the class. Can I still help?
Absolutely! There are many opportunities to help in and out of the classroom. If you feel uncomfortable speaking in front of a class, then you may sign up as an assistant. Assistants are needed to help the lessons run smoothly and to help individual students as needed. In addition, there are many other activities outside the classroom like cutting paper, washing brushes.
My teacher is not participating in FAD. How can I convince her/him?
FAD is an optional program and not all teachers participate. Feel free to speak to your teacher but be understanding if they choose not to participate.
Questions? Contact fad@fairlandspta.com