Big Things Are Appearing In Our Classrooms

In the past, we have used 11×17 posters to show examples of highlighted artist, the artist work and the new project. Beginning this year, we decided to improve the quality of our program by purchasing projectors for art classrooms that didn’t currently have one. The purpose of this was to allow students to be able to fully view, interpret and answer any questions. Gone are the days of walking around the class, holding posters for only a portion of the class to see at a time. Now, with a click of a button, the entire class can see the material which sparks interest and discussion.

We have found that this helps our teachers stay on task. Our teachers can quickly pick up where they left off in a lesson without switching posters. They can quickly switch from one grade level to another. Although as you enter the classroom, you may see posters and artwork (as you should). They are to reinforce the information and skills that are being taught.

Our teachers have also reported that they have increased student involvement. It also has helped with many behavioral issues. Students are no longer talking to friends while waiting on the teacher to come around to them with a poster. Every minute of their class is spent learning and creating art!

We have fully implemented vocabulary/word wall activities in the classroom. This may look a little different depending on the classroom you enter; however, the implementation is the same. Students are engaged in certain vocabulary based on the lesson that they are learning each week. They are given examples and asked to recall vocabulary each time they attend class until the project is complete. Below you will see how Ms. Kim, at Hope Sullivan made her “Word Wall” by using flowers. You will also see how Ms. Pirtle, at Pleasant Hill incorporated her “Word Wall” with her theme of Mario.

Beginning this year, we gave each principal updated information of our procedures in the classroom. This included how we would handle discipline within the classroom, but more importantly how we would reward students for good behavior. Our teachers keep track of this behavior by giving a point to each class for good behavior. Once the class has reached 8 points, they are rewarded with a variety of principal approved awards. These range from “free draws” within the classroom to extra recess during art to even dress up days.

Students are engaged in all mediums.

Students are engaged in meaningful and in-depth discussions!

Students are loving art!!When a small child has the experience of successful drawing—it can often be enough to shift their belief system from a helpless, feeling of low self-worth to an experience of creative mastery. We have found this experience will extend to other areas of life. Confidence becomes an ally, allowing someone to take a risk, to expand, to try something new, to think and risk outside the narrow box prescribed for them.
At that point their imagination and creativity take flight in a world of limitless possibilities!