A choice based system most certainly does not mean full time free choice. Of course there must be room for specific skill building and learning of new techniques, which students can then apply to their choice based art later.
Since the start of the new year, Grades 1-4 have been involved in some ‘have to’ lessons (otherwise known as Skill Builders), through the introduction of our Printmaking Station. Emphasis has been placed on organisation of workspace, the actual process of various printmaking techniques, and self evaluation and reflection. Printmaking techniques have been planned to allow progression throughout the grade levels.
First Grade: Fingerprinting, Sponge Dot Printing (after observation and critique of pointillism and work of George Seurat), and Printmaking with Found Objects
Second Grade: Styrofoam Prints with washable markers
Third Grade: Styrofoam Prints with washable markers, and basic reduction print with ink (single color/layer)
Fourth Grade: Mono prints, and reduction prints with ink – two colors/layers
Students are encouraged to keep ALL pieces, no matter how ‘bad’ they may turn out. Bad prints are good! Not only will students be able to demonstrate the progression of their skill, they can also use these to discuss their evaluation of the quality of the print, reflect on problems which may be occuring and seek solutions to these, or strategies for improvement.
Ongoing reflection and evaluation should take place through self talk and discussions with peers and the teacher. Thus students are becoming increasingly familiar with discussing their process, inclusive of art specific vocabulary.
Due to lack of time, students are not required to write or record reflections/evaluations on Seesaw daily. Simply uploading a photo of stages of the work, at the end of the lesson is enough to gain a habit of documenting.
In a few weeks students will complete a ‘W.O.W’ piece of art (as a reminder please click on the following link)
which was posted on 21st November 2019. This will require a more indepth, written or spoken reflection on Seesaw.
Speak to your child about his/her printmaking experience. We hope they can freely discuss their process inclusive of art vocabulary such as ‘found objects, printing plate, printing ink, brayer, sponge, styrofoam…’ according to grade level.
Please enjoy some photos below taken during Printmaking Classes, Grades 1-4.
