This I can relate to. I have inherited 4 classes of 7/8th grade kids who
are turned off by art, both because of the sketchbook assignments from
the previous art teacher and their attitude. It wasn't a lot of
assignments, but I thought after reviewing their sketchbooks,grades and
at least 10 missing books in each class, I changed the assignments. I
made it much simpler. More interesting subject matter. Looked at various
references for sketchbook topics and cut out thumbnail sketches all
together.(I don't think they are sure what they are). Seeing the quality
of their drawing skills I decided to go back to basics. We spend the
first 10-15 minutes of every class drawing. The classes are 90 min.
I've only had them twice because I started after Christmas break. My
first class included a questionnaire and the majority wrote (under
topics, "What would you change if you could change anything in art", and
"What would you change about the sketchbook assignments") 90% said NOT
HAVE THEM. Hate them, don't like doing thumbnails etc. I felt there must
be a problem.
Any input would be appreciated.
Sandra
> Melissa wrote:
> I quit assigning out of class sketchbook drawings due to the poor
> quality of the drawings I was getting turned in. I now require they
> draw in their books the first 15 minutes of every class period. These
> drawings must be from a 3-dimensional object that they can see in the
> classroom.
