Reflection #3

What-

When using the principles of art it can add a lot of impact and depth to a piece. For example, when you use proportion and rhythm. There are many ways you can interpret a piece of art. You may look at a piece of art one way and someone else may look at it another way. The value of using children’s picture book illustrators makes it easier for children to understand the elements and principles of visual art. Children are able to connect at a more personal level when using picture books.

So What-

To prepare I think it would benefit my students and I by being educated in numerous artists out there that have different techniques/styles. As a result, I will know about a variety of artists that I can teach to my students. For example, I could show an artist who focuses on the use emphasis or someone who focuses more on texture.

Now What-

This will be important to me because I am able to use a variety of artists and their art and bring it into my classroom. With using many artists I can create several different art activities for my class. For example, shredding construction paper and making a scene from The Giver or practice shading the pine trees on a specific page in The Polar Express etc. My students will enjoy learning about the different artists out there and participating in numerous activities that focus on the different styles/techniques of that specific artist.

Reflection #2

What-

In the book I liked how it said that artistic teachers are those who set up an aesthetic classroom, ask provocative questions, model how to listen and more. The book also said that there are two ways to integrate art looking at art to understand it and creating it. I have learned that visual art can be used in many ways. Also teachers should integrate art because it promotes attention to detail, gives confidence to be unique, promotes respect for diversity, etc.

In class we covered the elements of art. I did not know what some of the elements were so I was glad we discussed them. I loved participating in our visual art activity. It was fun to go to each table and do the certain elements of visual art. My favorite element was probably the texture activity. I liked creating the different areas by using thick lead or thin lead. I especially enjoyed using charcoal in one of my areas as well.

So What-

This means to me that I should try my very best to be an artistic teacher. Also to try and teach my students how to understand art and create it. I hope that I can come up with fun activities that relate to the elements of art. I know that my students would enjoy these activities greatly.

I hope that in my personal life I can experiment with creating visual art and have fun with it. There is never one way to create something.

Now What-

I hope that I will prepare to effectively teach my students that there are multiple ways to show your creativity in visual art. You do not always have to focus on all the elements of visual art. My perspective has changed dramatically. The door has been opened to endless possibilities. I am excited to incorporate all visual art activities into my classroom. I hope that this will teach my students to know that there is not one specific way to do art. Believe in yourself that you can do it!

Reflection #1

What-I have experienced many things with the arts. Not only in my schooling over the years, but also I have participated in dance, piano and school plays.

Throughout my years in school I have had several teachers who have integrated the arts into the classroom. I vividly remember an experience I had in my elementary social studies class. I had to create a poster on key events or leaders that were apart of World War II. I chose to do my poster on D-day. I had to find information and pictures to put on the poster. I was able to learn about World War II from not only my poster, but also my classmates. In addition, I was truly impacted by using the arts when I read Anne Franks diary in 8^th grade. We were assigned to create a poem about Anne, the Holocaust, or concentration camps. I chose to express how I felt about the Holocaust. When writing the poem I experienced many emotions.

The few new ideas that I have gained are: I never really thought about that the reasons why the arts help students achieve and grow, teaching the arts can help with creative problem solving process and the power of linking art to emotion.

So What-The arts have had a major impact in my life. I love that I can express myself in numerous ways whether it is a song, dance, visual art etc.

One of my favorite teachers was my 8^th grade English teacher. She truly portrayed great characteristics. Any project, assignments, or lessons she would integrate the arts somehow. My teacher would put up our finished projects for display in the classroom. It made me feel good to know that my work was important and meant something to my teacher. Also, there were always a variety of projects we would do. For example, I would write poems, make a collage; pick a song that represented a book we read, watch a dance performance and so much more. My teacher made the class fun and exciting by integrating the arts. It made me enjoy class on a whole other level.

My least teacher that did not represent any characteristics would be my junior high science teacher. There were no arts integrated whatsoever. I did not like learning about science and had no desire to. The class was boring and we always read out of the book.

After sharing both examples from teachers that I have had in the past, I would hope that in the future, I would be the teacher that integrates the arts as much as possible. Children need to express themselves to enjoy learning.

Now What- I want to not get discouraged if my school does not have the funding for the arts or has cutback dramatically. There are always ways to incorporate the arts if the funding is lacking etc.

I believe for me to prepare now I need to beyond doubt try my best to integrate the arts in all subjects. The arts add a variety to the core subjects and have proven higher test scores, building self-esteem, includes all students from different backgrounds, children take more risks and more.