Most recent update: January 24, 2012
About Art at Scroggins
Scroggins offers a choice-based art program where students are given options regarding the art that they make. Some of the art "centers" offered during the year are: drawing, paint, collage, puppets, construction, plaster, printing, and clay. The underlying philosophy is that children are artists capable of making decisions about media and subject matter. Art expression becomes more personal and relevant when students are able to self-direct the art they make, the work of “real” artists. The emphasis is on the art making process rather than the product.
The class is structured into two main components:
1. "The Teacher Demonstration" where the teacher introduces an art technique or new material to the whole class. Sometimes in lieu of a demo, the class may study an artist's work or learn about styles of art. Students may practice techniques or engage in drawing warm-ups during this time.
2. "Student Time" where the students work on the art of their choice. During this time, the teacher circulates among the students teaching individually and in small groups. The teacher observes students to determine needs that can be met in future demonstrations. Students are encouraged to share what they are doing and learn from each other. During this time amazing discoveries are made and real learning occurs. A few times during the year, the teacher may reduce the number of choices to meet the curriculum objectives for the grade-level. All students in grades second through fifth are required to keep a sketchbook.
The overall goals are to build creative ability as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills and to foster a life-long love of art and art making.
Susan Martin
Scroggins Elementary Art Teacher
The class is structured into two main components:
1. "The Teacher Demonstration" where the teacher introduces an art technique or new material to the whole class. Sometimes in lieu of a demo, the class may study an artist's work or learn about styles of art. Students may practice techniques or engage in drawing warm-ups during this time.
2. "Student Time" where the students work on the art of their choice. During this time, the teacher circulates among the students teaching individually and in small groups. The teacher observes students to determine needs that can be met in future demonstrations. Students are encouraged to share what they are doing and learn from each other. During this time amazing discoveries are made and real learning occurs. A few times during the year, the teacher may reduce the number of choices to meet the curriculum objectives for the grade-level. All students in grades second through fifth are required to keep a sketchbook.
The overall goals are to build creative ability as well as problem-solving and decision-making skills and to foster a life-long love of art and art making.
Susan Martin
Scroggins Elementary Art Teacher
To learn more about Choice-Based Art Education, please visit the “Teaching for Artistic Behavior” website by clicking here.
