Teaching Philosophy

Welcome to Prairie Ridge Elementary's Art Studio!

My teaching philosophy and practice embraces the following six domains. 

Integrating Media and Techniques

It is my goal to expose students to the exciting and expansive variety of art media. Each grade level includes lessons that allow students to experience and explore ideas using traditional art supplies as well as unconventional media, tools and techniques. Students problem solve to transform found objects to create meaningful and sustainable art.   I aim to foster an environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and make mindful decisions in art-making. Students learn new techniques and more advanced skills each consecutive year as they build on knowledge from all curricular areas.

Artists: From The Classics Through The Contemporary

Artists in my classroom learn about the artists that influenced our society and culture from the past, and also learn about the artists who practice their craft in our contemporary world.

Cultural Awareness

We explore diverse cultures of the world through the study, celebration, and sharing of heritages, traditions, customs, cultural arts, literature, music, games, dances, and interdisciplinary studies to facilitate an appreciation for the increased diversity in the world. Students demonstrate knowledge about the role of arts within cultures, and how learning through the study of arts can provide an in-depth view into cultures of the world. Knowledge about others facilitates an understanding for diversity and broadens students' perceptions on the importance of mutual respect and acceptance in a multicultural world.

Becoming A Mindful Observer of the World

I invite students to become active participants in their experiences, as both careful observers and clear communicators in a Visual Culture.  Students learn many ways communicate and  filter visual impressions and make sense of the world around them.  We incorporate literacy, writing, cooperative group work and self reflection to express our observations. Students will not only have the access to learn about art but also utilize art as a tool to learn.

Connecting Creatively & Developing the Right Brain Hemisphere

To facilitate interdisciplinary connections, students will combine their innate creativity, curiosity and passion for learning.  In the art room, lessons support learning across the curriculum, integrating reading, writing, math, science, social studies, music and dance. Lessons also support the multiple intelligences of every child by supplying a range of multicultural inquiries, kinesthetic experiences, auditory and visual aids, collaborative & interpersonal processes, linguistic components and opportunities for metacognitive and intrapersonal reflection.  The arts are intrinsically linked to core subjects and should be taught in a way that students can make these connections from the art classroom to the rest of the world.  I reinforce problem solving, critical thinking, empathy, self-esteem, creativity and community-- all while modifying and accommodating student needs and measuring achievement along the way.

Express, Communicate & Reflect

To help students become adept at expressing their thoughts and feelings through the language of art, I give children numerous opportunities into this domain.  In my classroom, I provide the types of tools, techniques and processes that can help to expand abilities, open minds, and ignite imaginations and passions.  Students will use their art to express their thoughts, but use words to help express the meaning behind their artwork, as they discuss and document their artistic process. Students are challenged and validated as they explore the ever enduring significance of art.