I'm a lucky art teacher. Not only do I have a new classroom (as of 2005) and an awesome schedule, but I also have a great group of kids to work with. Van Wert has a fabulous student body, but the students I am referring to are my Independent Study kids. Back in 2001, when I was hired, the principal mentioned how she would like to have a time for kids that are talented in art to come to the artroom and do more advanced work. I owe that principal a great deal! Not only did she hire me (and I was her first), she also planted the seed for a program that has saved my sanity. On those days that I wonder why I teach a subject that several don't find "important", I get to work with kids that LOVE art...and it all happens at the end of my day. I can't think of a better group to end my day with.
I call them my "Independent Study" kids, and that is how they work. I help them come up with challenging projects, direct them towards a media that would work best for the project, help them find reference pictures, and set them loose...I love it! As they are working, I might give them pointers, pull a few out for a critique, or help direct them, but they truly work independently. Often I look at their work and have to remind myself that they are middle school kids because some of their work turns out so much better!
With the Apple Festival quickly approaching, I announced at the beginning of the year that we would be starting out with work for the festival art show. The direction I gave them: think fall or apples or both. Pictured here are a few works created by my Independent Study kids for the Apple Festival.
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