Hey guys,
ugh, I'm still having issues with that middle school class. So far,
they have done one project in three weeks! They've had a few other
little exercises and stuff, but they have only done one substantial
project. Pathetic. Today they started still life drawings. I didn't
go into much because they won't listen anyway. I gave a few tips and
passed out handouts and then went from table to table to offer
individual help. I simply cannot teach them as a group. I guess I've
kind of given up, which is pretty depressing. I figure I'll help the
few who actually want to learn. So, they will be working on these this
week. Wednesday I plan on teaching them about color, and then they
will color in sections of their still life drawings. By next week, I
hope to move on to Romare Bearden, then Aboriginal Art, possibly a
graffiti lesson, Georgia O'Keeffe and Surrealism. I might also have
them work on mandalas because that project often goes over well.
I'm just not into teaching this class anymore. They have drained me,
and I'm tired of feeling like an idiot when I stand in front of them
and try to teach. I just feel like, why bother trying? Why fight
them? I'd prefer to show a couple of videos, give very short
introductions to artists and then just let them work on simple
projects. I got some really nice still life drawings with my last
group, but today I realized that these kids are not my last group. My
last group was tough too, but not borderline hopeless like this one!
I'm realizing that drawing objects is too difficult for them. I gave
them a mini lesson on drawing vases and using elipses, drawing the
closest objects first and low on the paper, how to look for values,
etc... One student actually told me he had finished the project! It's
due on Friday! He barely did anything. So, how will I keep him
occupied now?
I'm still having trouble with several students...even after parent
phone calls. Many have already had to copy the contract and rules. It
pretty much goes over my expectations in class. So, I'm wondering, for
my next step (the essay), what would you guys suggest? For the
students who have already copied the contract, I want to send something
home for them to bring back signed. I don't want to have them simply
write an essay about how to act in art class. I also don't know if
it's a good idea for them to write an essay on an artist (will that
make art history like a punishment?) I have to give them an essay to
write before they can receive a detention. Any suggestions?
I'm also thinking about a group project. Perhaps I could give each
table some books on an artist and ask them to create a presentation?
We don't have a library here, and I don't have computers for them to
use. Should I make it homework? Should I simply have them work from
the books?
I also thought about letting students find an artist of interest on
their own and do a painting in that style? I don't know. I need easy
projects that have cool results...projects that will keep them occupied
but not frustrated. I'm just trying to figure out how to get through
the next six weeks without tearing my hair out. I can't stand that
they come into my class and learn nothing. I am planning on giving
them more quizzes as well. So far, five students are failing my class!
4 students have d's. This is just ridiculous to me.
