Black History Month

Because of my school's population, Black History Month is especially--and understandably--important here. I've come up with a few Black History-centered printmaking lessons. My itinerant, two other South Fulton elementary Art teachers--and GSU alum--and I have decided to use Elizabeth Catlett as our jumping-off point, if you will. This way, we're introducing the medium and (African American) artist vertically, keeping materials and information streamlined; and in the case of 4th and 5th grades, discussing Africa itself and important happenings in African American history, respectively.

Rebecca Kimble wrote a 5th grade relief print lesson utilizing American Sign Language finger spellings and contour drawing. I modified the lesson to include a discussion about Jim Crow laws, the Civil Rights Movement, and the progress that has been made since Elizabeth Catlett left teaching in the 1940s, including the election and inauguration of Barack Obama--a huge source of pride for my students and something they are genuinely interested in. The following is a link to the lesson and teacher sample:

Hello!

I hope to use this blog to document my first year as an elementary Art teacher in Atlanta, Georgia. Ideally, it will feature lesson plans, classroom management tips, a running list of ideas to implement in the future, book reviews, and student work.

Recently, I introduced a new behavior management plan in my room and decided to try to work with some students on an individual level. Here is a personal 'checkbook' I came up with earlier in the year:

I simply print the templates, copy several sheets of the second page, cut to size, and staple. Because I see each class once a week, it's easiest for me to include 18 - 20 pages in each booklet; one for every week in a semester. Most of my students take interest immediately and like that they can take personal responsibility for their actions in the classroom. One student in particular decided to label every page according to each place he spends time during the day--i.e. school, daycare, home--and assess his behavior at every destination. Funny stuff!

Also, currently reading both of the following books, the first at the request of my administration:

Kay Burke did a workshop at our school several weeks ago that was very enjoyable. Not every technique was applicable for teachers at this particular school--it is a Title I school with a population approximately 99% African American and thusly a very different environment than the schools the book is geared toward--but much of what she had to say was interesting, insightful, and, at the very least, thought-provoking. Will follow up with book reviews as soon as possible!

Happy teaching! Have a great week.