ART TEACHER - MRS. BOLLE

A SHORT SUMMERY OF THE ART CURRICULUM AND ART ROOM PROCEDURES
Art provides an essential part to the learning and developmental process of children and is therefore part of the Itasca District 10 curriculum.

In general, the art curriculum is broken down into teaching units. The themes for these units might coincide with the seasons or holidays or be based on our environment, the development of self-image, art history and heritage, or related to subjects taught in the classroom. While the themes are carried through for all classes, the projects will vary according to grade levels and prior art leanings to insure a sequential art program. Lessons will usually stretch over several weeks.

Throughout the year, the students will have experiences and be instructed in the safe use of tools, materials and techniques in two-dimensional as well as three-dimensional work to develop an interest in art and help them find an area they can be successful in. Those disciplines consist of drawing, design, painting, print-making, clay and fiber work, 3-D construction, 2-D mixed media and paper crafts.

While all of these activities sound like a lot of fun, the students are learning about lines, shapes, colors, texture, form and space, proportion, composition, movement, unity and balance in a picture; in short: all of the elements and principles necessary for a well rounded art education.

Students are also introduced to works of famous artists and familiarized with vocabulary necessary to communicate art knowledge. They will gain an understanding that the environment is not simply given to us, but is created by human effort.

Class Schedule: 50 mins. weekly
It is the student's responsibility to make up work due to absenteeism. I am available for make-up work and extra help on Tuesdays at Benson and on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Franzen.

Classroom Procedures:
Students have assigned seats and share tables, some tools and materials. A typical lesson consists of verbal instructions followed by discussion and questions, demonstration of process, practice and work time,individual and/or group evaluation and clean-up.

Classroom Expectations:
These are explained and handed out the first day of class and procedures are practiced whenever necessary. I prefer procedures over rules because they teach students how to perform a task.

Grading:
Grades are given twice a year according to mastering of manipulative skills, creativity applied in a project, effort put forth towards a neat and clean appearance, finishing on time and classroom participation. A test- or quiz result in the upper grades might affect a grade.

Homework:
Homework might be assigned occasionally for practice of a skill or to be prepared with ideas for an upcoming project. Fifth graders are required to keep a sketchbook.

Displaying Art Work:
My biggest challenge! I try to display each student's work at least once during the year either in the building or in the district. Occasionally, we are invited to participate in out-of town exhibits. Please, let me know, if you might be available at some time to help me frame and/or display work, especially for our year-end celebration of learning.

Please, feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail or stop in to visit any time. My voice mail extension number is 538.