Teaching Art

I have neglected, but now remedy this delict, to write about teaching art during my practicum.

I observed little by way of art teaching in my preparatory visits to my school. Art was a Friday afternoon subject, sometimes bumped in the name of completing other work. The art which was done by the students was, however, prominently displayed in the hallways of my school and the students were proud to see their work on the walls.

I knew I would have insufficient time to teach the unit plan I developed. When my practicum supervisor wanted to come for the first observation I decided to teach an art lesson. I introduced my students to a new medium, being crepe paper with its colour bled onto paper with water. Like painting, but not as messy, and something that not even my cooperating teacher had seen done.

The purpose was to teach the technique and not the content, so I decided that pumpkins would be our subject matter.

Great fun was had by all. The students worked diligently and were very engaged in the project. Learning a new technique was a challenge that they readily accepted.

I know I had great fun both teaching the technique and then buzzing around the classroom helping and urging where necessary.

From this lesson, I learned or had reinforced the need to constantly challenge students to keep them interested and engaged. When I have my own class, I think the first lessons will be showing the students a variety of novel techniques to do art. Once that is done, then I will give the students leeway to select subjects for their work. I know that Art is inherently interesting and fun for students, but as our Art Show proves, the imagination of students is limitless and Art can teach or reinforce aesthetic ideas and appreciation in our students as well as entertain them.