Having students make art inspired by something they all related to empowered them to express their individuality and creativity regardless of technical ability and prior experiences in art. Linking their birthdays to well-known artists engaged students in learning art history in an unexpected and meaningful way. Throughout this process, students learned about each other, and I got to know each of them better based on their individualized artistic interpretations and by learning their birthdays.
Art teachers get to know students while creating opportunities for connection and community. Early learners build foundational art-making skills as they share stories from their summer; elementary students put their own unique twist on famous artworks; middle-school students create artist trading cards in a project that grows into a schoolwide art-making experience; and high-school students sculpt clay vessels inspired by cherished family heirlooms.
Browse This Issue
