As I prepare for another school year, I've been reflecting on my practice as an art educator. I ask a lot of my students - I ask that they experiment and make mistakes. I ask them to explore their interests and develop a unique, artistic style. I ask them to draw inspiration from their peers, their surroundings, and their other classes. It is crucial to remember as an educator to ask the same of ourselves. This year I know I will experiment - the opportunity to teach Grades 5/6 as a mixed level is a new and exciting challenge. These students are going to bring so many new ideas, skills, and personalities to the 125 Art studio and to our middle school community. There are some changes coming to the visual arts curriculum as well. I spent the summer training with Ms. Chiu (HS Art) at the Teaching Artistic Behavior (TAB) Institute at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. This summer we learned how to redesign our curriculums to create more space for student choice and voice. This year 125 Art room will truly be a "TAB studio" where students will be able to more fully explore their interests and passions in their art making. As with any good experiment, there are likely to be a few "mistakes" along the way. Bob Ross would say, "We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents." Especially in art making, mistakes can lead to some of the most beautiful learning experiences! I'm sure we will all learn a lot this year as the middle school continues to grow and progress.
I look forward to meeting all of my new students and drawing inspiration from them as we work together this year! The art studio is ready - are YOU? Ms. Long
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AboutMy name is Ms. Long and I teach Gr. 5-8 visual art at American International School, Hong Kong in Kowloon Tong. Archives
August 2018
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