

Lesson Plans

response to mag rag

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Thu, 21 Mar 1996 23:55:32 -0600

I have been reading various responses to magazine debates, DBAE and what is
too dry or academic compared to light art(fun art). I am a stand up and
scream it from the rafters kind of person when it comes to a comprehensive
view of art. My students grades 1-6 come to me once a week to sit, crawl,
jump up and down, create, discuss, actout, or whatever is called for, in
response to their art instruction. Each lesson, and I do believe each time
they walk in to my classroom we critique, look at historical points of
view, explore a culture or time period, respond to the aesthetic and
produce artwork. My students love coming to art. It is not too academic
but yet it is. My first grade students are asking questions or make
statements about artists that would amaze you. For instance: when
discussing Hokusai and his artwork, _Eagle in a Snowstorm_ a student said,"
Maybe the eagle is Japan and its being all by itself, you know like the
eagle is by itself." This holds true from 1st grade through 6th grade.
Each week I am amazed at the connections these students make. Students'
understanding of the importance of conservation of nature, the harmful
effects of war, the artists responses to events that happen throughout
history, or how someone's personal experience can affect a students own
experience toward a media are all part of the art experience. The children
grow and learn from all these experiences. They begin to see how they fit
in the world and how we are all connected.

As for School Arts, Art & Activities, and the NAEA publication Art
Education, these are all wonderful resources to aid in the instruction of
art students. I learn something new with each issue, see how someone did
what I do differently, a new twist to a media so overused, or a media not
used in a while. They all have their pluses and minuses. Every resource can
be seen in a positive or negative light but we try to see how we can use it
in the classroom.

I have taught inner city students,K-5, a brief time with secondary, and
suburban students 1-6. I have given many workshops on individual topics,
trained teachers in the field, and a mentor to student teachers.
Throughout all these workshops and training, motivation, use of materials
and connections have played a central role in the success of a program.
Remember, we are here to guide students in their development. Lets not
forget this. :)
Lauren Killam
Art Specialist