What do we want to learn about this year?

 Something I believe is very important is asking students (especially the older kiddos) what they are interested in learning in art class. I get a lot of the same answers year after year, but sometimes I'm surprised. This year, I asked grades 4-6 to participate in a class discussion to help me compile a list! I had each table work in a small group with a whiteboard to write at least 3 things they would like to learn in art this year. Drawing is always very popular, and I got many requests to teach them "how to draw" a bunch of different things, from people to animals to buildings. But I also got some responses that surprised and excited me!

Some students requested a space-themed project, while others suggested an optical illusion piece. Many students were interested in learning how to write in a variety of different fonts or writing styles (typography) and they also expressed interest in mastering specific materials such as paint and colored pencil. Most groups wanted to learn how to draw cartoons, Pokemon, video game characters, or their favorite celebrities. Most of these ideas and suggestions are already a large part of my curriculum and lessons but I'm super excited to add the few new ideas I got this year!

1st week - Hallway Displays

We've started decorating the hallways with the first week's worth of art! I'm so relieved I discovered that hot glue won't damage the walls and it's made creating more creative displays so much easier!

Kindergarten's rain drops, 1st grade's flowers, and some lovely abstract line names from 2nd and 3rd grade are all up together just outside the art room. Still need to add titles, objectives and other information to make the display complete, but I was so excited about the progress I wanted to share! Hoping to fill up my second red panel with line names as well. They're so colorful and I think they complement the hand flowers very well!

I'm very excited to add some art from 4th, 5th, and 6th when they finish their first big project, which we will start next week.

First Week of School

Congrats at all students for getting through the first few days of school! Tomorrow will be the last day of our first week and I'm excited to get to know each and every one of you! Just posting a quick update of the first few days. Next week, parents will receive a newsletter from the art room which will include important information including contact and grading info and the URL of this blog.

Though rules and procedures are always the main focus of the first week of school, I make a serious effort to allow children to start experimenting with materials on the first day. It is an excellent opportunity to practice procedures in an environment of creation, which will prepare all students for the remainder of the year in art class. For the first week I always choose simple projects that serve as an ice breaker for students of any ability level.

During work time, we discuss the layout of the room, what my expectations are, and practice using my "Noise Chart", which goes from Yes (quiet talking) to Maybe (whisper art), to No (silent art). I stop them several times throughout the lesson to help them get used to my hand signals and sounds for quiet and I walk constantly around the room to try and start learning everyone's name.

One of the first projects we're working on, "Line Names", is an introductory project using students names and a variety of different types of lines. This unit also features the use of pattern and color.

2nd and 3rd grade will be using this project to introduce them to abstract art and different types of lines. This allows students to use their creativity to create a piece of artwork using the letters of their name, which they then add lines, dots, and other patterns using Sharpie. Students are instructed to not leave "loose ends", which are unattached lines, and to go off every edge of the page. Students are encouraged to choose colors and lines that represent them, such as zig-zags and straight lines if they are energetic and active, and curved, wavy, or spiral lines if they love to dance, explore, or are more calm and relaxed.

Objective: 
Students will use line and colors to represent themselves.

Standards: 
1.2.b - Use color, line, shape, texture, form, and space to represent ideas visually from observation, memory, and imagination

Objective: 
Students will use pattern and repetition to represent themselves.

Standards: 
1.3.b - Select and use principles of design, such as pattern, contrast, repetition, balance, rhythm/movement, and emphasis, to give personal meaning to visual compositions

* * *

The "Hand Flower" project is a terrific way for me to gauge 1st grade cutting skills, which will be something we will work on throughout the year. Usually, some students are not confident enough to cut their own hands, but I encourage all students to fully participate. I always look forward to seeing their improved technique at the end of the year!

I also suggest to students that they choose colors that they love, or images and patterns that represent them. Since I don't do a traditional introductory project or activity, I use these first projects to get to know all of my students.

This project is designed for 1st grade, though I did do one flower with a 2nd grade class to see how effective the lesson was with their age group.

Objective: Students will use colors to represent themselves.

Standards:
1.3.b - Use color, line, shape, texture, and form to communicate personal meaning in artworks

Art Work Rules & Expectations

Be Respectful

• Respect self 
• Respect others
• Respect materials

Be Resourceful

• Be creative
• Problem solve
• Use your time wisely

Be Responsible

• Take responsibility for your words and actions
• Take pride in your work and work space
• Do your best to complete assignments

Students are expected to follow these guidelines at all times! If a student breaks a rule, they will usually receive disciplinary action in the following order:

1. Verbal Warning

2. Time Out

3. Think Sheet (parent signature)

4. Parent Contact and/or Referral

Behaviors that will result in an immediate parent contact and/or office referral include but are not limited to:

• Intentionally throwing or breaking art materials 
• Ripping or damaging another student's artwork
• Verbal or physical fights, arguments, or harassment 

Art Room Grading

The grading scale for Art at GNS is based on three major categories:

1. Effort - This category is essential to creating art! Even if a child has not yet grasped a skill or is in need of instructional supports or differentiation, their effort is key to their success.

• Work ethic
• Craftsmanship
• Originality of ideas
• Problem solving

2. Understanding - This category focuses on student knowledge and learning, and whether or not students are demonstrating a mastery of skills being taught.

• Demonstration of skills
• Drills/Exit tickets
• Assessments

3. Conduct - This category focuses on behavior and participation within the classroom. 

• Participation
• Respects self, peers, teacher, and materials
• Follow directions
• Does not create a disturbance

Welcome to the Art Room!

Welcome to the 2016-2017 Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary Art room! Art is full time as GNS this year, and all students PreK - 6th grade will be participating.

Art Room Motto - Create with curiosity, compassion, and care.

Meet the Teacher -

Hello everyone, my name is Ms. Perry and I'm Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary School's new art teacher! I am going to be at GNS full time this year, and though I'm new to this school, I'm not new to PGCPS. I'm a Towson University graduate and working artist specializing in illustration and drawing. I have a passion for arts integration (using fine or performing arts to help teach or support other subject matter) and one of my goals for this school year is to collaborate with other classroom teachers throughout the building with my own lessons to help support student learning. I believe that art is an excellent outlet for students to express themselves and release emotions and thoughts in a constructive way.