Teaching Philosophy
K-6
For elementary-level students, it is crucial to foster a positive learning environment by recognizing that each student makes progress and learns in different ways. The art classroom is an opportunity to create a healthy relationship with learning through allowing students to advocate and choose their learning. It is important to encourage curiosity paired with critical thinking. I enjoy presenting students with challenging projects, project-based learning, and group work. Students at this age are capable and eager to learn, thus, it is crucial to meet their hunger for information with refreshing, engaging, and challenging lessons.
Elements of Art & Drawing Techniques
Using mixed media and a Cricut vinyl cutting machine, students design and create stickers. Students explore the Elements of Art and different drawing techniques and must combine them in their sticker designs. This lesson is important because it teaches students foundational art concepts and techniques.
Monotype Printmaking
Using plexiglass, ink, and paint, students learn about monotype printmaking by creating an image on a matrix and transferring it onto paper to make a print. This lesson is important because it introduces students to the concept of printmaking, uses familiar painting techniques, and introduces reduction and additive mark-making.
Signature Stamps
Using small rubber blocks, carving tools, and ink, students create a signature stamp. Students learn about reductive printmaking and creating a symbol that represents them. This lesson is important because it introduces printmaking in a simple form while providing scaffolding for later lessons by teaching technique and material safety.
Notan Cyanotypes
Using black construction paper, acetate, Xacto knives, and cyanotype paper, students create notan cyanotypes. Students spent a few days practicing knife skills and safety on smaller worksheets. They explore different notans, or Japanese paper cutting, and create their final notan on an acetate sheet, then expose it on cyanotype paper to make a print. While they wait for their first print to expose, students use found objects from nature to create a secondary print. This lesson is important because it introduces knife safety and skills to use in later years, projects, and across different classroom contexts.
Zombie Project
Using found and recycled material, students prepare for a zombie apocalypse. Students research different geographical areas and explore poster design. After research, students sketch plans for their ultimate zombie fort. This lesson is important because it uses a project-based learning model to teach students a variety of skills, build on prior knowledge, and connect to other contexts such as history and science.
