In a message dated 12/11/2001 9:01:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,
BibelotsOutpost@aol.com writes:
> I must say, that as a first year teacher it's a little
> frustrating to know that I can't, for instance, do a unit
> on Van Gogh because one of the classes in that
> grade level has already "done" Van Gogh... [and I mean
> real sunflowers, science of flowers, all the picture books
> available and studied his life story and all the art prints we have
> in the school, and gorgeous artwork in his style hanging
> in the classroom...] now they're gonna use up five more artists
> and techniques I could definitely use in the artroom, and down
> the hall the 3rd grade is now doing Starry Night! What's an art
> teacher to do??? (I'm only half-kidding!)
> Thanks for any advice or references! ---
>
First of all, I'll give you a little of MY philosophy and advice- The more
art the better! Don't feel theatened. Instead, use the attitude that the
more art is infused into the educational program of your students, the more
respect, importance, and validation it will get. How wonderful that the
classroom teachers value art, artists, and art history! Consider the
alternative (the devaluation of art education by others out of our field) and
encourage more art from the classroom teachers.
Now, what I would do is plan to integrate what they have done as a
springboard to what you, and probably you alone, are in a position to do- use
more unusual mediums! I bet those classroom teachers haven't based a lesson
on van Gogh using clay, papier mache, or created a fabric quilt based on van
Gogh or his style. Have they facilitated the kids to create a spectacular
mural based on one of the artists they have covered?
Here's one idea.... create hot air balloons. I've used real balloons covered
with plastercraft as an armature and attached them to strawberry baskets from
the supermarket. Paint the balloons in the style of the artist. Take a photo
of each student and place inside his/her balloon basket. Attach the artwork
that the kids did with their classroom teachers from the bottom of each
basket. Hang the hot air balloons in the hall from the ceiling. Call the
exhibit, "We Got Carried Away with the Masters".
It's important, I think, to work with the classroom teachers and show them
how much you appreciate their inclusion of art in their classrooms. At the
same time, it is equally important for you to be one step ahead of them-
doing what you as a specialist in your field can do and what they can not do!
Hope this helps...Good Luck! Susan on Long Island
