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Lesson Plans


Re: Portfolios

From: Holly112
Date: Thu Jun 22 2000 - 17:09:51 PDT

  • Next message: Holly112: "Re: art salaries"

    In a message dated 06/22/2000 6:48:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
    skygeoff writes:

    << I wanted to respond to this discussion of portfolios. I teach about 600
     children in grades one through five. I do not use portfolios. I think it's
     much more productive for the children to take home their work at the end of
     each project.
     Here's why:
     All the concepts and background information are fresh in their minds.
     I go over with them, things to show and tell their parents about their work.
     Sometimes I send home a letter explaining the project. The following week I
     ask them for their parent's responses. I love to hear the things their
     parents said about the work or perhaps the artist we were studying.
     I used to teach art lessons in the children's homes and every house I went to
     had the children's current art work on display - mostly on the refrigerator.
     So their work is on display all year long.
     I do the same theme with all my grades at the same time. So brothers and
     sisters can see how different grades approach the theme.
     I'm not surprised that children throw away their artwork when they get it
    back
     months and months after it was completed. By then, it has lost the magic and
     excitement.
     I do save one or two works from each child for the art show. These children
     are happy to have their work chosen but sad to know that they won't be seeing
     it for a while.
     
     I was hesitant to admit to the list that I don't use portfolios because I
     think I must be the only one who feels this way. I'd like to hear from
    anyone
     who agrees with me on this subject. I certainly don't want to offend people
     who use portfolios. I'm sure they work for you in your situation.
     Sky >>

    Dear Sky,

    I agree wholeheartedly with you, especially for that age group! I spent the
    last 2 years teaching Art to 550 elementary students in an all purpose room
    with teeny-tiny storage space. I was not permitted to have portfolios even
    if I wanted them because of lack of space and classroom teachers not too
    cooperative whenever I asked them to hold on to artwork I had no room
    for..... I have come to the same conclusions as you make above. What I love
    best of all in teaching Art is the enthusiasm of the kids, and its always at
    its peak when the experience is FRESH!!!!!

    Know you are not alone, even if it is not the "arted correct" position...In
    our efforts to convert the uninformed with the importance of Art, all this
    assessment tends to take the fun out of it a little.... I can see the
    importance of both sides... I go with my gut but I do keep an open mind!

    Holly :0) 

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