I have no concept of what is appropriate anymore
I never really had the chance to be young, act young, feel young. The younger my kids are, the harder it is to relate. I have a REALLY difficult time planning lessons that age appropriate. I teach big words, correct art terms, and probably give more information in my project introductions than most kids can handle. However, to my surprise, more kids remember the things I teach more often then not.
Today I introduced the history and technique of stained glass to 2nd graders. I gathered the class around one tiny computer screen and flipped through slides. They learned that sodering is when an artist uses lead, heated to high temperatures and made into a liquid, to hold two materials together (in this case, colored glass). Together we discussed the three typical styles of a stained glass window: narrative, figurative, and the ones that are neither narrative or figurative (designs and pattern. non-representational). By the end of glass my entire 2nd grade class could determine which slides on the computer were narrative, figurative, or non representational. They could describe what happens when sunlight shines through stained glass. Some raised their hands and told me “Miss G., I see stained glass windows in churches!” Pretty rewarding.
Yesterday I was observed by administration of a school from Indiana. I got a “glowing” review according to our principal - she told me they were so impressed that just an art teacher could teach geography, math, science, and how to follow step-by-step instructions. They were so impressed that I listed project objectives on the board for each grade. They were so impressed with all I could manage… shocked even. I guess being an art teacher automatically means incompetent?
