Ms.

Nelson's Choice-
Based Art Room
October 2020

Dear Families,
I wanted to introduce you to the changes I've made to my art room this year. My students will now be
doing what is called "Choice-Based Art," where they are following their own interests and ideas to
create artwork that is meaningful to them. Students are no longer doing step-by-step art projects or all
creating the same projects at the same time. My classroom is rooted in the idea that your student is
already an artist. It is my job to nurture their creativity and support them in their art-making. My focus
is on teaching your student to behave like an artist, which includes skills like observation, exploring
materials, planning, re ecting, and so much more.

How does this work?

The rst 5 minutes of art class are dedicated to introducing students to contemporary artists, new
techniques and skills, and going over artistic behaviors. Students are then given the remainder of class
to work on their own projects. There are four centers - Drawing, Painting, Sculpture and Collage - that
students can visit to gather materials. Students can work on longer projects, play and explore with
materials, or practice their skills. At the end of class, students are given an opportunity to share with a
classmate their work for the day.

It is important for you to know - Your student's artwork will look different. They are using their
creativity and making art that is meaningful to them. Embrace their ideas and creations and know that
they are learning so much more than if we all made the same things. The process of creation is much
more important than the nal product. Craftsmanship will improve over time as your student adjusts
to the new format of art class.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Ms. Nelson

How to Talk to Your Student About Their Art

1. Let them use their own words.
Instead of saying, "What is it?" try, "Tell me about your work!" - This makes a HUGE difference.

2. Be speci c with your comments.

Instead of saying, "I like it," or "That's so cool," try to point out what is is that you like - "Your use of color
really makes it stand out!"

3. Ask interesting questions.

Instead of saying "That part looks really good," ask "How did you do that?" or "What inspired you to
create this?" You will be amazed at how much the student has learned about a certain material or
process.

4. Let them choose if they want to display.

Instead of saying, "put it on the fridge!" or doing so without asking, try "what would you like to do with
your art?"

5. Ask them how they feel about it

Instead of saying how you feel about it, try "Are you a proud artist?" "What do you think of your work?"

2nd Grader using his Saige discovered some Lily referenced her sketch
observation skills to make new techniques as she as she was painting with
drawings in his was playing with watercolor
sketchbook watercolor paint