Beyond Teaching to the Test

Display of some of my work in at the art room of Mary Ann Uhle at

Kennett Middle School for Career Day.

Just noticed that the student works behind my table are of Butterflies, and Rabbits.
Serendipity at its best!

 

Last week I was at Kennett Middle School for Career Day.  I brought samples of my studio work including my children's book Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings- When someone you love has cancer... a hopeful, helpful book for kids, shared my website and blogs with the students. We also did a quick and easy printmaking project- creating personal stamps, using foam shapes with adhesive backing, small pieces of cardboard cut in 2" squares for the stamp backing and water soluable markers to "ink" them up.

Using water soluable markers to "ink" up their
personal stamps

I learned that last week was also Teaching Artist Appreciation Week.  As a teaching artist, I have worked with Arts Horizons, Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania,  and the DCCA Contemporary Connections program, and numerous other organizations to bring art to our schools with projects that integrate their art practice with school curriculum.

Sample print made from a personal stamp

It is a great way to enhance, engage and expand the classroom- and get beyond teaching to the test!

A Feast for All - Contemporary Connections at Bancroft School

I recently completed my residency working with 2nd and 5th graders at Bancroft Elementary School in Wilmington, DE through DCCA's Contemporary Connections program.

Once again, this was a strong affirmation of the power of arts integrated education as a learning and transformative tool. These kids were so excited and engaged as they were introduced to sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking and installation while they learned about mapping (Grade 2) and land formations and our our impact on our environment (Grade 5). In continue to be inspired by all the people that believe in the arts and bringing it to kids- Principal Lee, Mrs. Wallace, Ms. Stasney, and the staff at the DCCA. Planning and implementing a successful residency puts more on everyone's plate in these times of testing, testing and yes, more testing - but oh what a feast it is!