Back from Field Experience

What: This week was our first class after field experience. We were able to discuss our experience with others and obtain ideas from other students. It was interesting to see the wide array of different experiences fellow classmates had when dealing with the arts.
So What: In class this week, we had somewhat of a roundtable discussion on the experiences we had with creative arts during field. There were so many different stories and ideas that came from everyone. It was really interesting to see the way that some teachers didn't really make time for arts and the way others obviously valued arts in their own classroom. Many students shared stories about art projects being an all day thing and told how the kids absolutely loved it. It would be really great if all teachers were able to do that. It really seems as if confidence plays a huge part on the teacher's role. If a teacher isn't confident in the arts or their ability to teach the arts, they are less likely to bring creative arts into the classroom.
Now What: It's always great to hear other stories or experiences. It always adds to your own values or ideas for what you will do in your own classroom. One of the best things I have learned from this class is the importance of the arts for young children. If anything, it is fun and it gives them a "break" from everything else. I think we need to make sure to at least try using creative arts in our classrooms because it can be so empowering for young children.

Field Experience #4

What: This week, we completed our field experience at Legacy Elementary. Upon finishing, I have been able to reflect on how I saw the arts used in this particular classroom. I gained many new ideas and also saw several things I would not be interested in using in my own classroom.
So What: During my time in this classroom, I was able to see how difficult it can be to make time for creative arts. There was no specific time set aside for this subject and for the most part, it had to be incorporated into other subjects. This was somewhat disappointing because I felt as if there were several times during the day when Ms. Hunter could have made time for art. Aside from having the students complete art projects, I really think using art could have worked as a management technique for her as well. The kids really seemed to enjoy art projects and getting up to move around so it would have been nice to see more arts in the classroom. When she did have the students complete arts lessons, it was usually just coloring or drawing. It was almost a form of busy work and I didn't really feel as if it was going to help the students learn the value of art.
Now What: One of the best things that comes from completing field experience is seeing how another teacher operates. You are able to find things they do that you may like to try and also point out things that you don't like. I don't feel as if arts were used in the best way in this particular classroom, but it did give me a lot of ideas for what I could do in my own classroom.

Field Experience #3

What: This week in class, I have examining many of the lessons our teacher does and trying to find ways to help her incorporate arts into them. Most of the stuff she does in class is fairly basic so we have been discussing ways to help her make the lessons more exciting for the kids.
So What: Creative arts are definitely lacking in this particular class. The kids do get to do a lot of drawing and coloring, but there is no attention directed to any other art form. I can definitely see ways that music could serve as a good management technique and also be something the kids just enjoy. During math, the kids seem to get really bored. It would be interesting to see what would happen if she could incorporate some form of art into that subject. I can imagine there being a huge difference. I have seen some teachers use songs to help students memorize math rules or techniques and I think that is something that would definitely be fun for fourth graders.
Now What: By observing the way this teacher doesn't value creative arts, it makes me want to use arts as much as possible in my own class. I think it gives the students a "break" and allows them to express themselves in other ways besides intelligence. I'm hoping to get to use the arts in future classrooms and also see how other teachers use them.

Field Experience #2

What: This week we were able to examine some of the artistic abilities of the students. The kids were involved in several projects and assignments that required creative arts and it was interesting to see how they reacted.
So What: The students have been working on a "Fractured Fairytales" project. Though the basic skill required for this is writing, the students are also required to include illustrations. It has been really interesting to watch the kids work on this project because you get to see which kids like to draw and which ones do not. There are several students in the class who are extremely advanced in artistic ability and it's fun to see how much the other kids adore those students. Overall, it really seems like this is a fun assignment for the kids because it combines the monotony of writing with something else. They really seem to enjoy it.
Now What: I think by watching the way the kids react to this assignment, the teacher can learn a lot. It's obvious that the kids really enjoy creative arts, even if it is just drawing and coloring. I hope the teacher has taken note of this and will try to incorporate arts into more of their assignments.

Field Experience #1

What: This week, we began our field experience. Trevor and I are working in a fourth grade class at Legacy Elementary School in American Fork. The class we are in operates on an extended day model and has thirty five students.
So What: I was really excited to start working in Ms. Hunter's class and also interested in seeing how she incorporates creative arts into the curriculum. Upon arriving, we were able to examine the schedule and see how the arts was worked into each day. The classes in the fourth grade at this school are on rotation which means every three weeks, they switch afternoon subjects. When we arrived, our class was on the P.E. rotation. There is also music, health, and computer education. Other than offering the music class, the arts integration was worked into each subject. They didn't really have any time set aside specifically for the arts. When I asked Ms. Hunter about this, she said it was because of the amount of students. I can definitely see how it would be difficult to do arts education with that many kids because I think as a teacher you would be more concerned with the basic subjects. I can see how it would be a struggle to find time for the arts. She said it's not that she doesn't find creative arts vital to learning, but rather it's just difficult to make time for it.
Now What: Upon seeing the lack of creative arts in this classroom, it makes me wonder how many other teachers feel the way Ms. Hunter does. After all, students aren't tested on creative arts so I'm sure many teachers push this subject under the rug. It does make me wonder what the difference is between classes who participate often in creative arts and classes who do not as far as classroom management goes. It seems to me that kids need a break from the curriculum in other ways besides recess and creative arts could be a great way to do it. It makes me curious about how incorporating even just 20 minutes for the arts each day would change the feeling in her classroom. Upon seeing the lack of time for the arts, I feel inspired to find ways to make sure there is always time for the arts in my own classroom one day.

Music, Part One

What: This week in class, we learned about incorporating music in the core curriculum. Using this artistic form, we sang several songs and examined children's literature that can be used with music. We also discussed the benefits of music in the classroom.
So What: I have always been an advocate of music and I love using it with young children. It can make any subject exciting and entertaining. I really enjoyed using the instruments during the children's songs because I can see how that is something students would love to do. I have also enjoyed looking for literature that can be used with music. I think it could be really helpful to use music as a way to get kids interested in more difficult subjects like math and science. Using music is a great way to help students understand and retain information.
Now What: I know I will definitely use music in my own classroom because of the immense benefits it provides. I love the idea of using it as a classroom management technique as well. It's a great way to get students to settle down and focus on the next subject. It is also an awesome way to incorporate memorization. I know that by finding ways to integrate music into my lesson plans, I can become a successful teacher.

Reflection #7 - Dance Part Two

What: This week in class, we participated in the group presentations using children's literature. We learned about folk dance and how to use it in the classroom as well. We also watched a video that focused on the benefits of using dance in the classroom.
So What: I have really enjoyed learning about the benefits of dance for students. I think it's a great way for kids to get up and moving around instead of sitting in a desk all day. The group presentations were really fun and something I think students would really enjoy doing. I really liked how many of them were Fall/Halloween themed. There are really some great ways that you can incorporate holidays into dance for kids. I think using dance in the classroom could be a great way to let out energy and help the students to refocus.
Now What: I love learning about new ways to use creative arts at elementary age. I think the arts are not valued as highly as they should be in elementary schools and so I love learning about ways to integrate them into core subjects. I have really enjoyed seeing all the different ideas and ways that the groups have been able to use to work together. It really inspires me to want to use the arts in my own classroom and makes me believe that I will be able to do it in a fun, effective way.

Reflection #6 - Dance Part One

What: This week in class we learned about how to use dance as a form of art for children. We used literature and incorporated dance into the literature to help children connect with the text. It was such an awesome experience and I look forward to using it in my own classroom one day.
So What: I never really thought of dance as being a learning tool until today's lesson. I loved using the children's books and then pausing to incorporate dance. Where The Wild Things Are is one of my personal favorites and I loved being able to use dance to incorporate myself into the story. I loved using dance to demonstrate emotions as well as items in nature. Working in groups seems to work great with the arts, especially dance. I love the way it promotes creativity as well as cooperation.
Now What: As soon as we completed today's lesson, I immediately began thinking of different books I would use in my own classroom with dance. It really allow children to express themselves and be creative in their own way. I think this type of lesson would be great for tactile learners who require movement to learn well. It is also a great way to get kids up and moving around throughout the day as a break from the regular stuff we would be doing everyday. I'm really excited to see what the groups come up with next week for our dance activities.

Reflection #5 - Drama Part Two

What: This week in class, we used children's literature to incorporate drama games and activities into a lesson plan. We all got to participate in the activities that each group prepared and presented to the class.
So What: I found it really interesting and surprising that all of the groups were able to come up with so many fun and original ideas. Each group found a way to get the listeners engaged and involved in the content of their story. I especially enjoyed the group presentation where a historical storybook was used. I think using drama games is a great way to help students understand and even enjoy history, mostly because I think it is one of the more difficult subjects for elementary students. It was really fun for me to see how each of the games could work at different grade levels as well. Many of the activities gave the listener free reign to use their imagination and I think this is something that can really help children to develop a better understanding of a subject.
Now What: I really enjoy doing these sorts of class presentation. I feel that by doing lesson plans on drama, I am able to examine how it can help and entertain students. I think these factors make it so I will be more likely to use drama games in my own classroom. I really appreciate having all the examples on the class website available to me. I think having those ideas available will also make me more likely to use drama with my own students one day. I'm really excited to see how the other sections of creative arts will be similar to this one and to see if I will enjoy them equally.

Reflection #4 - Drama Part One

What: This week in class we learned about different ways to expose children to drama. We played several games and also learned ways to use drama in other daily subjects you teach in your classroom.
So What: I have to admit that I was pretty skeptical about this week's lesson. I've never taken a drama class in my life so I was a little nervous to learn anything along those lines. I was pleasantly surprised to see all the different ways you can teach drama to young children. I loved learning about how to use dramatic activities in other subjects or content areas. When we read the story 'Jessie Goes to America', it was so fun to see all the possibilities that would help kids understand the concept of immigration. I loved seeing how you can get students involved and excited about a topic.
Now What: I was really excited to learn more about something that I know so little about. I think drama is something that kids could really enjoy if it is used in a fun, non-threatening setting. I think now that I know more about the types of activities you can do with kids, I will be more likely to try and incorporate these lessons into my own classroom.

Reflection #3 - Visual Arts Part Two

What: I have really enjoyed learning about the elements and principles of art in class this week. Although it was review for me, it was interesting to interpret this lesson from the point of view of an elementary student. I really liked being able to look at the prints displayed around the room and determining which ones used which elements or principles. I also enjoyed using the decks of paintings at our tables and holding up good examples of each principle and element.
So What: There are so many ways you could incorporate using the principles and elements of art into your classroom. They would definitely be a great tool to use when showing students a new book. It would be great to allow students to examine the art in the book and construct their own opinions about what good examples of art elements and/or principles the book demonstrates. As a teacher, I think a big part of teaching art is allowing students to work at their own pace and share their own ideas about a piece of art. Allowing students to participate in engaging, fun activities such as the ones we did in class would encourage them to get excited about art and to enjoy evaluating a particular piece of art.
Now What: Teaching the elements and principles of art is a basic step in helping students understand how to evaluate art, but it is also very important. By watching each student share their ideas or opinions about a particular print or painting, there is a lot of great insight a teacher could obtain. You may be able to learn more about that student's learning style or their strengths in school. By spending time to teach students the basics of art, a teacher could find ways to help their students succeed in other subjects as well.

Reflection #2 - Visual Arts Part One

What: This week in class, I really enjoyed learning about the elements of art. Of course I had been introduced to these before, but I had never examined them through the eyes of an elementary student. By completing the projects demonstrated in class, I was able to try and determine how a young student might interpret this form of visual arts.
So What: As a teacher, I can definitely see how the concept of the elements of art could be a difficult and perhaps boring one for young students. I loved the way we were able to use engaging art projects to learn about each element. The projects we completed in class were something I can definitely imagining using in my own classroom and it also made me curious about what other projects for elementary students I could find pertaining to the elements of art.
Now What: The more I learn about teaching art, the more excited I become to incorporate it into my own classroom one day. I find that so far in this class, I am constantly wondering how I can learn more about art. I have become excited to do my homework and complete my own art journal that will hopefully assist me with teaching art in my own classroom one day. Most of all, it is fun to get back to being an elementary student and completing my own art projects.

Reflection #1 - The Arts & Me

What: I have personally always been a huge advocate of the importance of arts in schools. Many of the positive experiences with young children have included visual arts and music. I definitely believe that by integrating the arts into daily subjects such as math or reading can encourage students and make difficult concepts easier to understand. Therefore, I think it's safe to say I'm excited to learn more about methods of art integration and how to use them in my personal classroom.
So What: My own experience with art in schools has been great. I remember how much I looked forward to art classes and projects. I can also recall certain teachers who were able to integrate arts in order to make the class's understanding more fun and enjoyable.
In fourth grade, I began to struggle with math concepts and it became an extremely difficult subject for me. My teacher began teaching several lessons about geometry and instead of using boring textbooks, he allowed us to use shapes to create designs. I remember a particular day that we created 3D shapes out of paper and built castles with them. I had no idea that math could be made into such a fun experience.
Now What: I know that my experience with the arts in schools will allow me to incorporate lessons such as this in my own classroom. The love that I have developed for teaching as well as the arts is something I hope will lead to my enjoyment of this class.