Art Class: Fresh From the Oven Art Sketchbooks

Last week was the deadline for their sketchbook design. For the past few lessons, I've gather all the art materials on the trolley and bring them to class. In our first lesson, I introduced the usage of the materials. For materials that are more straight forward such as coloured markers and papers, I don't have to give them more air time. Two hot glue guns were placed on the teacher's desk so that I can monitor their usage from time to time while allowing them some autonomy. I have goggly eyes of various sizes, coloured pompoms and glitters. The students viewed some sketchbook design ideas online and I left the rest to them. Different art materials call for different types of glue. It's a good idea to go through the requirements and recommendations before letting them loose. 

Art Class: Understanding Understanding

In art class, we adopt the Havard Project Zero Thinking Routines for assessment. You can view the video below:

I enjoy reading the children's writing especially when their artwork has a personal connection to themselves. Time will usually reveal what is significant to the children. I told them that I snapped photos of their work so that everyone can learn from each other. It has more relevance when they know they are going to view/ read something from their friends rather than of the teacher's work sample. Art is also one of those subjects where children can use their 'heartware' (soul) instead of emphasizing on the 'hardware' (end product). It helps when I know more about the children because it helps in planning the kind the lessons that are important to know and engaging to them as well. For example, if the majority of the children are responsive to music then perhaps we could study the lyrics/ text in a song/ poem.

At the same time, I'm also using the assessment to gauge how the children respond and think if the lessons were effective. Different classes of the same level can react differently to the same lessons. There are days where I question my decision to teach. There are also good days where the aura of the class is particular good that it feels surreal.