CRITICAL THINKING...

Problem solving is a huge part of art, and students have to think critically on a daily basis. When you are working on an art project or even presenting it to the kids you have to make sure the students know there are many ways to go about a project. I always teach my students that it is ok to make mistakes, because most of the time your mistakes can be fixed with a little problem solving.

We are starting a clay unit within the next week and I believe clay is a great lesson for students to learn about problem solving because clay can be more easily fixed than most mediums. The students will need to problem solve most likely when it comes to building their slab constructions. They are going to create templates to help them create their piece, but these templates are not always 100% accurate. This is where it calls for a little problem solving, walk step by step with a student, laying out the options and also allowing them to think critically about the different solutions.

Critical thinking is very important when it comes to having students write an artist statement. It isn't just here is my art and this is the title. When a student is asked to create an artist statement they are starting to think critically about why they took the steps they did, why they decided to add a certain design compared to another they thought of, or maybe why they did title it the way they did. I think it is important for young artists to look at their art and others critically, really digging deep to find the true meaning. 

TECHNOLOGY...

Technology now days is all around us and children are inthralled with having access to the up and coming tools. Technology is a huge part of this new generation and they will do anything to get their hands on it, whether it be video games, computers, ipads, cell phones, you name it. I know ipads were the biggest thing in my previous classroom. Every class had a small set of 4 and could use them however they pleased in the class to do activities, assess, and learn. The kids loved them and thought it was neat to use something like that in the classroom. In my art classroom my CT has 4 also that she uses for the students to reflect on there work. They write up a short reflection or artisit statement and then email it to her. She is working on using them for more individual exploration but was recently given the set.

Some classes now have smart boards, doc cams, and 4 to 5 computers in the classroom. These computers can be used for differentiation or projects you might have going on in the class. Graphic design, flash animation, and technology based classes are big for high schoolers at the moment so any exposure to these types of lessons or classes would be great to familiarize them with the programs.

ART ADVOCACY...

Art advocacy has always been something I have been passionate about. We talked a lot about it in my Secondary Art Methods class and I participated in two different projects while at the University of Iowa. I think it is very important to stay recognized in your school and community as an art advocate. It is also key that your students see your passion in staying involved as well. A good way is staying in touch with the nearest art center or art event leaders, keeping your school involved in art shows. Kids need to see that art is all around them and that they can make a difference with their art, and if you think about it through a child's eye... having their artwork in a real museum is a BIG deal!!

 I haven't started my secondary art placement yet but I know my cooperating teacher does have the students participate in a school community project every year. Each class of 8th graders does a legacy project that they leave behind for the school. They have done murals, wall hangings, mosaics, sculptural installations. These are all done with her help and guidance, the students come up with the idea and create the piece. This is visible for parents and community members to see when they visit the school, this individuals can view what an impact the art program can have on the school and really just how involved they are.