I think our trip was so exceptional because these students truly wanted
to go and they had earned the trip. The kids were told during the first
weeks of school that the top 26 art averages at the end of the fifth six
weeks would win the day in the museums. Caveats besides the top grades
were that they could have no outstanding warrants (work due, behavior
problems) from other teachers. The top 26 also had to agree to meet
after school during this last grading period for intensive and advanced
art training. Lots of art homework! Plus, the kids are now grouped and
will make presentations to the rest of the school about visiting the
museums. It has been a win-win situation that I will make into a
tradition at our school.
Another "win". My principal is very interested in interdisciplinary
connections, especially art connections. She sneakily assigned three
teachers to serve as adult leaders to assist me so that they could
witness firsthand what teaching meaningfully through the arts means.
These teachers were so astounded at the higher level thinking skills,
oral discussions, and rich writing that went on with the artwork that
they have all asked to receive more training.
