Arts-Infusion AFRICA!

   So, I believe I already gave you the skinny on what an Arts-Infusion lesson is in my last blog...but, a really quick follow-up:  I co-teach visual arts lessons with the regular homeroom teacher to reinforce learning in other subjects.  It's the opposite of Interdisciplinary Arts.  Arts-Infusion helps to address different learning styles, because ALL the Special Area teachers are required to do it!  Also, lessons have to be much more efficient, and focused because it uses the Homeroom Teacher's instructional time.  I have chosen to link the lessons into my regular art classes with certain topics because I'll get more QUALITY from the studio assignments!  
  
  Okay, now that you know what it is.  Here is a  cool Arts-Infusion lesson I'm working on right now!  I'm super-excited about 3rd grade!  They grade are learning about Africa, and I just so happen to have lots of stuff from Africa because I know people who lived there for about 9 years!  The kids learned all about the SAN who live in BOTSWANA.  Then they learned about some of the arts and traditions of the SAN.  We talked about how the small villages don't have running water, or McDonald's at every corner.  We counted to see how many of us have ever used a plastic bottle to drink water.  Then, I taught them about the San tradition of using ostrich eggs as canteens.  Sometimes they would decorate them too. 


   So, we are in the process of picking an animal that represents each of us.  Then we sketch it using library books as reference.  Next, the students are making their own Plaster of Paris ostrich eggs!  (It has been a MESSY ordeal!)  I recommend parent volunteers, or EA's to help out on this.  Last, the students will paint their animals on the paper mache, and then create a patterned border for the top and the bottom.  They are also learning about COLOR, PATTERN, SPACE, BACKGROUND, FOREGROUND, CRAFTSMANSHIP, painting, and sketching!  


  I don't have photos of the studio assignment in progress, because the kids needed about 6 of me to get things done, and I was the only one there!  However, here are some pictures of my display, and the start of the paper mache ostrich eggs post-studio attack:

a typical toy for a San child.  Everything is homemade.  This is made out of leather, beads, and old hose or leggings.

hand-woven basket; I have several, but only brought in 2.  You can actually still smell the sweet scent of the grasses from the drying process used before it was woven!  

Many of the following items are more artistry or craft these days, sold in the markets for an income.  They are all still authentic, made with materials on hand and by hand, just not entirely the essentials it used to be.

hand-carved animal figurines from the San.  

I believe this was a painted fabric.  It feels waxy but it doesn't sport the heavier outlines found in batiks.

Ostrich Egg from Africa!  The kids went wild over this!  
San would use these to hold water in them, after they drain them and eat the egg yolk/whites.  After the eggs get worn and cracked over time, the San would use them to make highly prized, and highly labor-intensive ostrich eggshell beads, by hand.  They wear the beads almost as a status symbol; more beads means more wealth, beauty, etc.  and they wear them all over...in their clothing, hair, as necklaces, bracelets, anklets, etc.

Animal carving and seed pods, that, when dried, make excellent rattles!

Painted tablecloth.

Full display.  I have more, but just haven't brought it in yet.  Hopefully, I'll be bringing in a butterfly collage, banana leaf prints, and a video of some of the San children singing in their Khoisan language as well.  It is very interesting because it is a click language!


Anyways, this is all I have for now.  Enjoy!

Oh the Joys of teaching ART!

First Month Down...
  So, a little bit o background:
  I just graduated this past May, and right now I am working as the Interim at a wonderful Elementary Arts Academy in my hometown.  It's really just been fantastic!  Because it's an Arts Academy, I also get to teach Arts-Infusion lessons in the regular classrooms.  Basically, that means that I co-teach art lessons with homeroom teachers in order to reinforce learning in Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.  Wherever there is a natural connection between the subject matter and the visual arts, then we connect it.  Together as a team.  It has been such a neat learning experience to be involved in this.  I've never seen a program quite like it before, but it really should be incorporated everywhere! :)


  Aside from the Arts-Infusion, I get to teach my regular art classes, k-6 all day, and then I also sponsor an Art Club in the afternoons.  Soon, we will be working on a Mural with a very special Artist.  The kids are super-excited about it because we've been planning it out and working with the principal on it.  We should be getting to meet the Artist to discuss designs pretty soon.


  Anyways, first blog post down, more to come, with photos too!  Yay! :)