The third
trimester has quickly come upon us.
As the 3rd trimester progresses students will be learning more about the
art elements, design principles, increase their drawing skills, as well
as various artists,
styles of art and art history, and using a variety of mediums. The
new and revised curriculum is on the web for you to look at and if you have any
questions please feel free to ask. Our curriculum is set up so that each
year the students build on what they learned from the previous year.
Students receive art grades at
the end of each trimester. As part of student assessment grades 1-5 will have some form of written assessment which
is calculated into their overall grade. The
art department uses the same grading scale as the district. The main
areas we assess are craftsmanship/overall neatness, effort and commitment to
the projects, and the specific criteria and concepts (which could
include a new skill) taught for the projects during the grading
period. I would like to explain craftsmanship versus skill.
Craftsmanship is the care used in applications of materials being
utilized (ie.: is it sloppy or messy). Skill is how well the student
demonstrates a new technique or method taught. As an example, if the
skill taught was to imitate how Van Gogh painted his line style in
his paintings then I would be looking at how well a student
demonstrated that skill in their work after being taught that skill.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say that art grades
are not based on talent. Each graded project has a set of criteria
to meet based on the curriculum that was created to align with
district, state and national goals. So the artwork your child brings
home may look beautiful but if they didn't apply a skill, concept or
the criteria, the grade will be lower than what you might expect. If you feel you need further information you can email
me or call me at the school.
It is not a typical procedure
for students in grades 3-5 to have homework in art. However, if a
student misses art the week a project is due or doesn't complete a
project by the due date then they are required to take and complete
the work and return it to me by the next art class. If you have any
questions regarding this procedure please contact me.
Since I am teaching again in
the multipurpose room, it is time to get everyone "adjusted" to not
cutting through the room during art teaching time. This will
eliminate further disruptions to the art classes and keep the
children focused on the task at hand. If this can't be avoided,
please use the east (or side) entrance quietly. Your cooperation is
very much appreciated.
If you would like to contact me, feel free to
email me. Just click on the picture below:
Thank you,
MaryLynn
Meredith
