IN THE ART ROOM

WE ARE ALL ARTISTS!

Classroom expectations are clearly posted and reviewed with students. Keeping it simple and having the mantra that "we are all artists" encourages students to do their best. I hope to foster both an environment of respect and kindness, and a safe place to explore, experiment and stretch young artistic minds and develop positive artistic behaviors.

reward board

Perhaps you have heard about "Reward Day" from your student. We have whole class goals of being good artistic citizens during the duration of every class. Students have opportunities throughout to earn checks for fulfilling expectations - such as being good listeners on the rug, having calm clean-up, and working with focus. Once all the checks are filled, the class earns a free choice Reward Day consisting of special stations and encouraging voice and choice. I even do my happy tap dance for them (always a highlight). We then erase the checks to begin again.

i can statements and enduring understanding

A young artist might not understand what an "objective" is, but they can relate to a statement that states simply "I CAN." Statements are posted on the board and color-coded by grade level. Their learning is framed on a daily basis, so that students understand the "why" and the "how" of what we are working on as artists. Also posted are standards, studio habits of mind, and enduring understanding. These are the most important takeaways I want all students to have:

Artists tell stories
Artists are problem solvers
Artists explore and experiment
Artists help others understand and appreciate the world around them

masterpiece wall

The Masterpiece "Wall of Wow" changes monthly with each curricular unit. I scaffold learning by grade, so all students will be working on age appropriate units that are thematically connected. Having works of art to look at, react to and dissect helps spark creativity and allows students to learn about art criticism, art history, processes and genre. My goal is to help kiddos expand their art vocabulary and increase their exposure to Fine Arts exponentially.

sketchbooking program

Due to the generosity of our amazing PTO, I am able to fund a sketchbooking program for grades 2-4. All students receive their very own sketchbook as a 2nd grader and it moves up with them each year. It is a cherished, safe place to practice, try new techniques, reflect, engage in early finisher activities, or just doodle. I have an "extra/extra" wall in the room where they can access activities and how to draw resources. At the end of 4th grade, every student takes home their books and has the opportunity to see how they have progressed and grown as artists, and hopefully continue to fill it!

art displays and art shows

Having student work on display is an important part of the art curriculum - they get SO excited to see their work hanging up for all to enjoy. I rotate bulletin boards throughout the school so that every single class and student is represented at least once. I have a "featured artists" program as a way to recognize students who have particularly shown effective effort in their work. Finally, we have several curated art shows in the Natick Community where student work is selected and featured - including the K-12 district-wide Arts Extravaganza, Senior Center Elementary Art Show and displays at Natick Town Hall.

profile of a graduate

The art room is a great place to begin developing skills of Communication, Collaboration, Empathy, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Resilience and Initiative. Every thing we do and everything I teach uses these guiding principles to inform instruction and help our students become global citizens of the future.

inclusion

I am committed to a safe and welcoming environment in the art room that is inclusive to all students no matter their ability, language or need by providing accommodations, flexibility and differentiated instruction when warranted.

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