A place to talk about art, artists, and art education
Student-teaching is for the brave.
Hello Art Educators!
I have made my way through the first month of student-teaching, and I have survived. It has been a trial by fire; and feared I would fall - smack dab on my face. As I approached the doors of MEMS, Mt. Elden Middle School on my first day, I feared the kidz might see only their grandma; or worst yet, a very foolish adult who knew nothing about teaching art. . .but, the kidz have embraced me, and I them.
The first week of teaching was really like trying on my water-wings, or something like that. I kept telling myself over and over, Pam Stephens believed in me and I can do this thing - teach art. I was given a unit study on Shapes, Forms and Value. Also, I had the luck to have a teacher, Mr. Dave Hale, who had a teaching structure in place already, and I just went with it. I wanted to stay with his structure so I wouldn't confuse the students. I used a game on shapes and forms, which went over very well; introduced a lesson on the 'fun' of optical illusions (they loved looking at upside down pictures that turn into something else); another day I had the students work in groups and report back to the class on reading from their art text; and. . .I demonstrated contour drawings for the entire class to watch (I had all the kidz come up, surrounded me at the table and get a close-up on a 'live' drawing). It is amazing to see how one can step up to the plate and dig their heels in and swing.
*****The students are so creative, all you have to do is direct their artistic energy.*****
I always have a drawing or painting, from the text or one I have done everyday. It encourages them to view and think about artwork. They are like sponges.
As a student-teacher I had to be 'open' to praise, constructive criticism, and instruction from my university supervisor, and also my mentor teacher. They have the best in mind for me, I just had to build up my own confidence. . .and the kidz did the rest. Once you circle the art room and see how a smile, and constructive criticism on their art can make a difference in a young person's life - you will be hooked also.
I try to notice the students who really try hard, not always the best, and encourage them to get a sketch book for their own use at home. There faces just light up when I suggest this, and I feel I have done some good in this world.
Feel free to email me if their are any other questions.
I have made my way through the first month of student-teaching, and I have survived. It has been a trial by fire; and feared I would fall - smack dab on my face. As I approached the doors of MEMS, Mt. Elden Middle School on my first day, I feared the kidz might see only their grandma; or worst yet, a very foolish adult who knew nothing about teaching art. . .but, the kidz have embraced me, and I them.
The first week of teaching was really like trying on my water-wings, or something like that. I kept telling myself over and over, Pam Stephens believed in me and I can do this thing - teach art. I was given a unit study on Shapes, Forms and Value. Also, I had the luck to have a teacher, Mr. Dave Hale, who had a teaching structure in place already, and I just went with it. I wanted to stay with his structure so I wouldn't confuse the students. I used a game on shapes and forms, which went over very well; introduced a lesson on the 'fun' of optical illusions (they loved looking at upside down pictures that turn into something else); another day I had the students work in groups and report back to the class on reading from their art text; and. . .I demonstrated contour drawings for the entire class to watch (I had all the kidz come up, surrounded me at the table and get a close-up on a 'live' drawing). It is amazing to see how one can step up to the plate and dig their heels in and swing.
*****The students are so creative, all you have to do is direct their artistic energy.*****
I always have a drawing or painting, from the text or one I have done everyday. It encourages them to view and think about artwork. They are like sponges.
As a student-teacher I had to be 'open' to praise, constructive criticism, and instruction from my university supervisor, and also my mentor teacher. They have the best in mind for me, I just had to build up my own confidence. . .and the kidz did the rest. Once you circle the art room and see how a smile, and constructive criticism on their art can make a difference in a young person's life - you will be hooked also.
I try to notice the students who really try hard, not always the best, and encourage them to get a sketch book for their own use at home. There faces just light up when I suggest this, and I feel I have done some good in this world.
Feel free to email me if their are any other questions.
Add a Comment
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Comment by Julie B. Wells on December 3, 2008 at 7:30pm -
Hello FOLKS,
It is almost the end of the road for me at NAU. . .I am a week away from graduating with my Masters in Art Education, with certification K - 12th. Anyway, if any of you ARTSY FARTSY Art Educators want to write me you can either on this site, or my own email Juleswells07@yahoo.com. I will miss you all completely and am grateful for all the shared knowledge of art. It has been the time of my life, really. . .
Julie B . Wells
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Comment by Kate Granchelli on December 3, 2008 at 9:55am
- Julie my email is kmudpuppy22@yahoo.com.... I don't check this very much ... I am moving back to Buffalo and I wanted to let you know that I LOVE student teaching it has been so successful!!! I would to talk all about it.... hope you are well
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Comment by Julie B. Wells on October 12, 2008 at 5:04pm
- Another helpful hint while student-teaching is to encourage the students who seem to be engaged in their artwork and your lessons - is to encourage them to buy a sketch book for home. I always recommend going to Walmart or Big Lots for a cheap, but nice sketch book!
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