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Lesson Plans


no elem. art experiences....

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Bunki Kramer (bkramer.us)
Sun, 28 Feb 1999 22:57:35 -0800 (PST)

>Bunki - I taught in California, Sacramento actually, for a year. I
>taught 2/3 grade and was outraged at the lack of art in the district.
>It was nonexistant. I'm curious how you students art abilities are at
>the middle level if they have had no art experiences or little at the
>elementary level. Do you notice a difference?
******************
Hi, Gigi....Difference? I really don't see much difference on my end
because I'm so used to having kids come with a hodge-podge of art
knowledge. When a student comes in from out of state and has had lots of
art, I still can't tell much difference in their abilities...except maybe
in art history and the colorwheel. That's why I use my 6th grade as a
beginning point of learning. We specifically work on line, color theory,
composition, pattern, painting methods and weaving....and rules of the
artroom (I have them on a 7-week rotation).

Someone once told me that kids will do exactly what you expect and ask of
them. This was the best advice I've ever been given. It's a motto I've
lived with for many years and I EXPECT alot from my students in 7th and 8th
grades. I really didn't realize how much sophistication I was getting from
them (I use to teach high school) until I entered some of my students'
works in the state conference exhibit. Compared to what other teachers were
bring to the show, ours shone exceedingly well...even put next to the high
school artworks. Sooooo...if you ask me what the kids have missed out on or
have lacked in the elementary grades, I think they can learned quickly with
a high expectation level teacher and do exceptionally outstanding work.
It's all in the attitude and mindset...just like everything else, right?

Toodles........

Bunki Kramer - Los Cerros Middle School
968 Blemer Rd., Danville, California 94526
bkramer.ca.us...(sch)925-552-5620