This week has been about setting up the classroom environment. I feel that I have so much to learn about each one of my students and how they work together and interact with one another. In my Middle School art class we identified three personal values that we each possess. We categorized our values into three sections: Values that we revealed to the world, values that were slightly concealed and values that were completely hidden from others. This activity gave me (and the entire class) an idea of the strengths that we hold collectively. We discussed how we can work together utilizing our values as a team. We are continuing on to make colorful identity mandalas to display and showcase the three values that we each possess.
In every class we have been developing an Art Room Manners contract. This is a list, generated by the class, of rules or "manners" that we all agree to abide by throughout the year. We also decide the consequences together, too. This classroom management strategy enables students to have impute into how the class will be structured and have a sense of ownership over his/her education.
This week I have also been asking students about their previous art making experiences and asking them to tell me what they are interested in making this year. I strongly feel that it is my job to get to know my students and tailor my lessons and units to address their interests and needs.
This week my objective is to plan the curriculum for the next few weeks based on student interest. I will also begin to solidify my overall community arts project for this year which will be centralized around the on the theme of storytelling.
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