Integrated Arts?

The Integrated Arts is a model designed to offer support, extension, and supplementary experiences in content areas through interdisciplinary arts activities. The Common Core Standards' emphasis on developing depth and rigor in thought and the ability to communicate relevant information with increasing skill provides the necessary impetus for this model. Content will be viewed through many lenses, allowing the entirety of relevant ideas to be processed and applied broadly and with added depth. Work with visual arts, music, drama, literature, writing, technology, and design will be incorporated and collaboration with classroom teachers will be ongoing. As Yeats wrote, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". The Integrated Arts is an opportunity to light a very purposeful, very directed fire.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Animal Alliteration Drawings and Poetry











Drawing is a skill that can be taught and learned with good practice. Third grade students created works of drawing and watercolor pencil to accompany alliterative poems written in class. To complete this project a few simple drawing ideas were introduced. These are fundamental ideas that will transform a reluctant artist into someone who feels that they can at least make good referential attempts at realism. The truth is, I am a functional but not gifted realistic figurative artist. I need these tools just as the kids do and so can see the value in teaching them and empowering children from a young age to know that they can draw.

Oh, the steps? First, actually look at your subject, do not simply draw what your mind imagines as it is often a "cartoon" of the subject. Second, find the dominant shapes and use long, light lines to make them please the eye and the image. Third, work through the details- first line, then texture, then value.

Seems easy. No, not easy, but fundamental.

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