FFS’ programs are only possible because of your generous support and we like to show you the difference and the difference you are making in our school. As our Visual Arts program is getting under way, we asked our Art Specialist, Barbera Eisner to introduce the programs and give you a flavor of what your children will be experiencing in class.

It is a pleasure to be a part of Stevenson Elementary School. For the families that are new, I’d like to welcome you and give some background on what I do with children in the visual arts. Art is not only a motivating tool for most children, but it requires thought. It offers a sensory springboard for our thinking and develops our minds painlessly. The art curriculum covers art criticism, history, aesthetics, and art production.

In September, the year begins with two lessons for K-5. In these two sessions the students look at art works and through questioning, they use higher level thinking skills. For example, the children look at a painting and discuss what they think is happening and give evidence for why they made that observation. We continue the questioning with what else they can find in the painting. Through this method, the students need to really “read” the painting. Each of these lessons are followed up with a language arts connection, such as poetry writing or a narrative about the art work. Some classes are also able to create an art production connected to the print discussed in class.

In January, I begin with five lessons based on the visual arts standards. The standards are sequential and include the following strands: artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context, aesthetic valuing and connections, relationships, and applications. What this all means is that a lesson could include having children just talk about an art work (artistic perception), discussing the artist who did the work and the period of time he/she lived (history), or perhaps creating a work of art in a similar style (creative expression), while also writing about their own work (connections). It is typical that a lesson could include more than one standard. Being able to show the children a print creates lots of discussion and in turn, the children gain a vocabulary about art.

I try to expose children to various art medium so they are not limited in always expressing their ideas in crayon or paint. Starting out a lesson asking “What’s going on in this picture?” gets both the lesson and children’s ideas flowing. The children take pride in the productions they do and have fun in the process.

If you have the time and would like to assist in our art program, volunteers are welcome! Just leave your name and phone number with the office and I’ll give you a call.