Ink Patterns-7th and 8th graders' first project of the year

The 7th and 8th graders' first project of the year focused on patterns with ink. I was fortunate enough to have the unique experience of doing my student teaching at LaGuardia School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, otherwise known as the 'Fame!' school. While there, I taught a graphic design class, a ceramic class and a sculpture class. The graphic design class focused on the basics of laying out designs, not on the computer (yet), but on paper. One of the projects the LaGuardia students worked on was using classic pen and ink to show patterns within shapes. When a shape overlapped another shape, the pattern would change as if two patterns mixed created a whole new pattern. Even though this was a project originally intended for a high school sophomore aged student at a premier art school, I was fully confident that my middle schoolers could pull off this project with success. After showing them the work of the LaGuardia students, some of them began shaking their heads; disbelieving that they could accomplish the same results. I'm happy to say, that the 7th and 8th graders definitely exceeded my expectations on this project! We began by talking about the various shapes that they could start with; organic or geometric. We came up with two simple definitions:
Geometric shapes- an enclosed 2-dimensional shape used in mathematics.
Organic shapes- an enclosed 2-dimensional shape often found in nature.
Then, the students came up with various patterns to place in their shapes and in the negative space around their shapes.
Click on images to enlarge.

Radial Designs-6th grader's first project of the year

I am very interested in cross-curricular lesson planning by bringing other subjects into the art room. During the first quarter, I chose to focus on working math vocabulary and concepts into our art projects. For the six graders' first project, we talked about radial symmetries. I chose to connect this math concept to art history by showing works from the 1960's Op Art movement. Much of the art, but not all, produced during this period utilized radial symmetry. I've noticed that students are usually very intrigued by this type of art. Work like M.C. Escher, the Magic Eye series and even Martin Handford of  "Where's Waldo" fame come to mind.

Click images to enlarge.

Things I would like to share on this blog...

It has taken me a bit of time to get this blog off of the ground. I had these great aspirations of including photos of every single student's work, labeled and cataloged to perfection. Ah, but I didn't think about HOW many students I actually have (the entire school!) and how difficult it would be to take photos of all their work separately and at the same time, get them graded and hung up. When all my students' work was put up on the walls of our school, I began photographing their work. After this I realized that, although I can recognize most of the student's work, I do not have a photographic memory. Therefore, any ideas of putting the student's name with their work on this blog was out of the question (their names were on the back!). But, I really don't feel comfortable putting a child's name up on the internet (unless of course, it was just their initials). So, my intentions now are to get as much work photographed as possible and put up here. Sometimes I will take a photo that includes several works of art from a particular grade. In addition, I will take some photos of individual pieces. I will also be posting some other things on the blog, such as;

• art websites that may be of interest to you or your student
• subjects of interest that we've discussed in class
• "Why Art Matters!" (a list that each of my art classes have contributed to during the first couple weeks of school)
• explanations of projects and their rationales
• miscellaneous!

HOW WILL I BE GRADED IN ART CLASS??

SAMPLE GRADING RUBRIC FOR CLASS PROJECTS

• EFFORT/PARTICIPATION: Make sure you are always participating and putting forth your best effort. This is the most important grade in my class!
• APPLIED KNOWLEDGE: Show me that you were listening!
• FUNDAMENTALS: Basics of art
• NEATNESS/CRAFTSMANSHIP: Don’t rush yourself or slop any ol’ thing down!

Classroom Procedures

ENTERING THE ROOM

• ALWAYS enter the art room in a quiet, respectful manner
• Take your seat and start on your “bellwork” or agenda at the beginning of each class
• If you aren’t in the seat when class begins, you will be marked with a tardy

COMING TO CLASS TARDY

• Coming to class tardy will result in a Minor Incident Report
• Sign your name and time of tardy on the sign in sheet by the door

SEEKING MY HELP

• Shouting out questions or answers in the art room is never an acceptable means to get my attention.
• If I am in the middle of a lesson, please save your questions until the lesson is complete.
• Always raise your hand! Don’t shout out! This is not an option!!
• I move around the room often. I WILL get to you. If I nod at you, that means I know you need me and I will be helping you soon.
• I CANNOT help every student at the same time. Be Patient, grasshoppers!

SIGNALS TO BECOME QUIET

• If I raise my hand up in the air (give me five)
• If I ring a bell
• If I stand in front of the classroom

You should then;

• Stop what you are doing
• Sit in your seat if you aren’t already
• Stop talking
• Look to me for instructions

DISMISSAL FROM CLASS

• First, you will be dismissed by table. You must be standing behind your seat in order for your table to be dismissed.
• You will line up by the door. Never leave the room until I have dismissed you.

Art Classroom Rules

BE Repectful
1. Quiet please, during lesson. Students should not be speaking when the teacher is speaking or when another student is answering the teacher’s questions.


2. Stay in your seat. Students may not get out of their seats for ANY reason except by teacher permission to get supplies.


3. Use kind words. Use only kind words with the teacher and with each other. Students are not allowed to talk badly about their own or other’s artwork.


BE Responsible

Always bring your agenda


Use the restroom during passing periods!


Use your class time wisely.


Always be in dress code.




BE Safe
Use supplies wisely. Students need to use art supplies and cleaning supplies wisely and not play with them.


Keep Your Hands And Feet To Yourself!! It’s just not nice!




BE Involved
Pay attention. Students need to listen to the teacher and focus on their artwork for the best possible results!






CONSEQUENCES
First offense: Warning


Second offense: Minor Incident Report




Immediate M.I.R. (with no warning) can include:


Disrespectful talk or action towards teacher


Showing up to class with no agenda


Tardy to class without a pass


Not in dress code


Safety issues (inappropriate use of materials)


Not keeping hands or feet to yourself


Offenses of more serious nature will result in an immediate referral