What We Do: In the art room we learn how to express ourselves and how art is made, but we are also learning about the whole world----and what it means to be human in that world. I like to say I don’t just teach art: I teach EVERYTHING! We might use shapes and fractions (math!) when cutting paper for a collage, learn the science of color mixing or seek to understand different cultures. We explore nature, literature and history by examining the vision of other artists. We learn about the practical role of art in every day life: design, architecture, textiles, graphics and media. Art touches every aspect of our lives, gives us freedom to make mistakes, explore ideas and communicate our own interpretations about the world we live in.
At Home: Allow your student creative opportunities: paper, scissors, crayons, glue, pencils and markers are all simple and accessible ways to feed that creativity at home. Reading lots of beautifully illustrated books with your student will expand their imagination and visual “vocabulary”, so I definitely encourage that, too!
Helping Out: I am always looking for art supplies that are recycled materials. Egg cartons, toilet paper and paper towel rolls are always gladly accepted in the art room; feel free to send them in with your student! I also appreciate other recycled materials from time to time if you think we could use them----just ask if you think it is something we could use!
Some Other Details: From time to time, I will send permission slips home for field trips, art shows and competitions, etc. Please read these and return as soon as possible. These opportunities will also help your student realize that art takes place outside the classroom, too. Should your student’s artwork be selected for a show, I encourage you to make every effort to support them by attending.
Finally, Praise and Encourage: Discuss your student’s artwork in a positive way. Saying things like: “Tell me about your picture (clay piece, project, sculpture)”, is better than “What is that supposed to be?” and helps our little artists build their confidence and allows them to teach you about their artistic process.
At Home: Allow your student creative opportunities: paper, scissors, crayons, glue, pencils and markers are all simple and accessible ways to feed that creativity at home. Reading lots of beautifully illustrated books with your student will expand their imagination and visual “vocabulary”, so I definitely encourage that, too!
Helping Out: I am always looking for art supplies that are recycled materials. Egg cartons, toilet paper and paper towel rolls are always gladly accepted in the art room; feel free to send them in with your student! I also appreciate other recycled materials from time to time if you think we could use them----just ask if you think it is something we could use!
Some Other Details: From time to time, I will send permission slips home for field trips, art shows and competitions, etc. Please read these and return as soon as possible. These opportunities will also help your student realize that art takes place outside the classroom, too. Should your student’s artwork be selected for a show, I encourage you to make every effort to support them by attending.
Finally, Praise and Encourage: Discuss your student’s artwork in a positive way. Saying things like: “Tell me about your picture (clay piece, project, sculpture)”, is better than “What is that supposed to be?” and helps our little artists build their confidence and allows them to teach you about their artistic process.