Welcome back artists and families!
We are so excited to see so many new and returning faces in the art studio this year! From the success of last year, we are also excited to announce that we have fully transitioned to a choice-based K-8 art program. Our program is based off “Teaching for Artistic Behavior,” a choice-based art education philosophy. This means that students are encouraged to develop their own projects based on individual interests instead of completing assigned whole-class projects. The goal of Monarch Academy’s Art Program is to help foster creative and critical thinking while helping students develop habits that assist them in creating innovative and quality work in and beyond the art room. We believe that this choice-based approach best prepares students to meet this goal.
With this approach, the structure of art class looks different than it may in some traditional programs. Students receive brief whole-class instruction and more one-on-one and small group instruction. Gradually, students have access to a variety of materials to choose from as they explore their artistic interests. Students are encouraged to bring ideas and interests from home to pursue artistically in the art studio. Students engage in explorations of materials, techniques, and ideas daily, while still being challenged and supported in creating several high quality developed pieces throughout the school year. Individual reflection and group sharing are key tools in our art studio that help all students grow as artists. Student growth is assessed through artist portfolios.
We cannot wait to learn and create together with your students this year! If you would like more information on the Teaching for Artistic Behavior philosophy of teaching, http://teachingforartisticbehavior.org/ is a great resource. If you would like more information on how this looks at Monarch, please feel free to contact Mr. David or Ms. Sam.
