Hello SASM Families,

In art, we are currently working on our color unit which includes color mixing, the color spectrum, how we see color (for 2-5th grade) and exploring color families and color schemes. 

By the end of the month, we will be discussing 3 Dimensional artwork and starting our first clay lesson. We will be focusing on the Elements, Form (3D shapes) and Texture. We will also be starting a winter landscape painting in which we will focus on the Element, Space as well as learn about a monochromatic (one-color) color scheme and mixing tints (color + white) and shades (color +black).

Dear SASM Families,

I’m so excited to start another fabulous year of artmaking at San Antonito! As always, my goal is to provide a meaningful art experience for your students in which they can explore art concepts, discuss works of art, use their creative problem-solving skills, and persevere through project completions. 

Students will create a variety of art through a curriculum that is centered around the Elements and Principles of Design.  Knowledge of the Elements and Principles will give the students a working vocabulary with which to create and discuss two and three-dimensional art from a variety of artists, mediums, and styles.  I will also integrate components of other content areas (STEM, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Social/Emotional learning) and examine the connections that are inherently present. 

Students will keep a sketchbook in class all year in which they will write vocabulary words and explore ideas.  In addition, we will work with a variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, metal repousse, printmaking, and clay to name a few.  My goal is to give your students a repertoire of possibilities in which to create and express their ideas.  

BE A STAR ARTIST! Our art class behavior plan consists of using a behavior chart based on the acronym  S.T.A.R., SPEAK with an inside voice, be on TASK, have an ATTITUDE for success, and be RESPONSIBLE with materials. At the end of each class students evaluate our collective classroom behavior and if the class earns all smiley faces on each part of the behavior chart then they earn a crayon in a class crayon box.  When the class has earned 8 crayons in their crayon box they get 30 minutes of free art time the following class.

Individual behavior intervention strategies start with a reminder of expectations and positive reinforcement. If behaviors continue then students will either be placed in proximity to the teacher or work/take a break in the hallway as well as have a private conversation with the teacher.  If behaviors continue and are disruptive to the class then parents will be notified via email with the goal of working together to help their student be at their best. 

I look forward to another great year of creating with your students!

Hello SASM Families,

We are currently finishing a unit on the different types of lines, line directions (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal), and organic vs. geometric shapes, as well as symmetrical and asymmetrical balance. Fourth and 5th graders are learning one-point perspective and finishing a superhero-themed one-point perspective scene. Fifth graders have also been busy creating their Ecosystem ceramic mobiles that will be in a special 5th-grade art show at Sandia Mountain Natural History Center on October 15th, from 4-7 pm.  I hope to see 5th-grade families at the show to celebrate their hard work!

As we approach November, we will turn our attention to reflection and assessment of our work so far.  For this first report card, students' grades for their Demonstration of knowledge of vocabulary and concepts will be primarily based on their sketchbook entries, in which they demonstrate and write vocabulary words.  Students will reflect on the artwork made so far in class and self-assess their mastery of the art mediums we have used for their grade on Create and refine a variety of art using tools and materials.  For this trimester, I will not be assessing students on the standard: Present, interpret, and analyze artistic works. Though we are doing this informally in the art room right now by talking about artworks and artists, I will not start assessing this new standard until the end of the first semester. Lastly, you will see some artwork coming home next month as we wrap up the trimester. Students will pick their best art piece to keep at school as a choice for the art show that we will have at the end of the year.  

In the coming months, we will begin our unit on color, which will include color mixing and exploring color families, as well as using color schemes for the upper grades. 

If you have any questions or would like to visit or volunteer in our art class, please email me with the days/ times you are available.