Choice-Based Center Time

Choice-based art treats the student as the artist, and the art room as his/her studio. Students are independently accessing supplies, responsibly returning them and designing artwork completely from with in. They are using creative thinking skills, critical thinking skills, revising, making mistakes, altering work and taking full ownership of their achievements. This is so much more about the process over the financial shed product. They are trying weaving, sewing, screen-printing, sculpting, architectural design and so much more! They LOVE this opportunity to create with freedom, heart and vision. 

So, what do I do in choice-based teaching? I offer mini-demos of pop-up centers, five-minute museum lessons on art history, reflection experiences through critiques, and supporting them, guiding them, encouraging them and assisting their ideas as needed. Check out some of these artists in action, and artwork created. 

Thiebaud Inspired Cupcakes

Grade 4 is completing amazing studies of value (lights and darks) in these outstanding oil pastel cupcake creations inspired by Wayne Thiebaud.

Choice-Based Art Display

Some of the 5th and 6th graders are completing artwork designed by them, creating W.O.W. Pieces (wonderful, original works-of-art). 

6th grade had an open theme presented to them, but were required to make a planning sheet, manage their time, select media and bring their work to completion. We are following the eight Studio Habits of Mind:

1. Develop craft

2. Engage and persist

3. Envision

4. Express

5. Observe

6. Reflect

7. Stretch and explore

8. Understand (arts) community

Studio Habits of Mind from Studio Thinking: The Real Benefits of Visual Arts Education, Hetland, Winner, et al, Teachers College Press, 2007

The 5th grade students were presented with the work of Georgia O’Keeffe. We specifically looked at her flower close-ups, New Mexico Landscapes and her animal skull paintings. Students were asked to design a W.O.W. Piece inspired by one of those paintings, or somehow tied to her work. They created a plan for a 3 class period project, selected materials, edited and modified as needed and reflected on the process and outcome. They were supported throughout with mini-demonstrations of various techniques, 5 minute museums showing fine art from other artists, in progress critiques and reflection sheets. Many wrote artist’s statement to explain their process, how successful it was and they discovered along the way. They did a terrific job! Here are a few examples of some of the work. More pics coming soon! So proud of them all! :)

3rd Grade Circle Weavings

Inspired by the Circle art of Sonia and Robert Delaunay, students first painted their plate with concentric circles. They had the primary colors and white and black, so all additional colors were created by the student. Once completed, we transformed our circle weavings into looms! The students did an amazing job weaving and just loved this experience! 

World Kindness Day!

Several classes worked on a collaborative project to help one another to practice kindness. These collaborative circle paintings require students share space, collaborate on ideas and compromise. We discussed what acts of kindness we saw at the end of class. Students were creative, had tons of fun and practiced spreading kindness. Happy World Kindness Day!! Be kind. Pass it on...

Independent 6th grade artwork...

These students are designing a work of art entirely of their own choosing. This fosters creative thinking, envisioning, reflecting, expressing, engaging and collaboration. The quiet hum of the art room as they explore their BIG idea is evidence of their critical thinking skills as they overcome challenges, modify their idea and persevere. Here are a few works in progress:

Mandalas

4th grade mandalas are progressing nicely. Here are some nearing completion.