WINTER ART EXPERIENCES

A teacher has photocopied a Christmas tree pattern for a unit on winter. Children will color, cut, and paste the tree onto a piece of blue paper and then create a snow scene with paint, crayons & glitter. Critique the creative merits of this activity. Is it an example of a teacher-directed project or child-centered art? Support your decision with references to our Reggio Emilia readings & discussions. Offer alternative suggestions for winter art experiences.

PRINTMAKING EXPERIENCES

We did many different printmaking processes in class. But there are so many other possibilities. Think of another material or way of making prints. This is your opportunity to think outside the box. If you can't think of any, find a new printmaking process on the internet that is suitable for children, ages 2 to 8. Describe this printmaking process, what skills children will learn, and how math or science standards are addressed. Be specific with the standards addressed. In order to do this, you will have to go to the Ohio Department of Education website and look for the link to the standards in each discipline & grade level. Just choose one grade level that your printmaking activity is appropriate for & state three specific standards that could be addressed.

WAITING FOR SUPERMAN

As future teachers, I highly recommend that you see the documentary film, "Waiting for Superman". It may still be playing at Levis Commons, and a matinee ticket is $7.25. Remember to bring a box of kleenex with you. If you can't afford to see the film, then I encourage you to visit the website, www.waitingforsuperman.com. If you check all components of the website, it will give you some sense of what the film is about. Students that have seen the film should also visit the website as well. You might also google the Kipp Schools; the Harlem Children's Zone; and the Manchester Bidwell Corporation. All are agents of change for a better education for our children. Once you have done some investigating, please address the following question.

Since we have spent much of our discussion this semester on the Reggio Emilia Schools, which have a major visual art component in the curriculum, do you feel that these schools can compete with the other schools (mentioned above) in insuring that ALL children have a quality education and can be successful adults? Can the visual arts really help underprivileged children to succeed? Please site specific examples in your response. You may check other websites to help you answer this question. Please site your sources.

You have until November 18th to respond to this question. Your response should be no less than 150 words.

AESTHETIC EXPERIENCES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

According to Hurwitz & Madeja(1977), "Art appreciation should not have a mystique. It should be something that both student and teacher realize can enhance the general quality of their life as well as their appreciation of the power of works of art. It should also supply an important dimension in their lives, in terms of a descriptive language that can apply not only to works of art, but also to things in everyday life. The transfer effects of the teaching of art appreciation can be made tangible in the personal life style of the students, the homes they furnish, and the community and environment in which they will live. These are potentially real and meaningful outcomes for the society as a whole and very functional outcomes for every student involved. But if vision is to become a truly joyous affair, it will be the informed teacher who must be prepared to stand at the juncture between the world of the artist and that of the child" (p.274). As a teacher, what will you do in your classroom to make a connection between your children and the world of artists? Please provide specific examples.

CHILDREN'S ART WORKSHOP

What did you learn from your first encounter with your child partner and how will you be better prepared for the next workshop session?

FALL BREAK

There is no question for this week due to Fall Break. Enjoy your time off. See you in class on Thursday. 

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Reflecting upon the material that we have covered in class thus far, what three things have you learned that have made the most impact on you as a teacher? How will you use these new theories/strategies in your future classroom?