The Integrated Arts at Del Mar Heights: Ceramic Turtles

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.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Ceramic Turtles

Second Grade

Each grade level here at Del Mar Heights encounters a ceramics project which correlates to their classroom instruction as it also engages the standards of art practice as set forth by the state.

In this project, second grade students were asked to reference their animal classification unit of study as they designed a tortoise or turtle. Students learned how to use a basic pinch pot and score-and-slip techniques to hand form their turtle. They used ceramic tools to etch designs and considered ways to use high-contrast while still staying realistic in coloration. Students were privy to information about the ceramic process in firing and glazing as well.

In the end, we see some whimsical and wonderful creations that represent the vision and learning of our students. Great job second graders!