EARLY CHILDHOOD TEDDY BEARS! A Bob Reeker Lions, Tigers, and… rt has the power to help stu-dents make connections to oth-ers and themselves. An experi-ence in visual arts should be rich in inspiration, yet allow students to explore and discover their own voice through subject, media, and technique. Finding that inspiration that hooks the learner can result in meaningful and connected process and product. Having raised and taught my own daughter, I understand the importance and significance that a stuffed animal can have in a child’s life. It can be com-panion, comforter, part of a collection, as well as a myriad of other childhood uses. So, to emphasize the concept of still life and support a personal connec-tion to the subject matter, I began using stuffed animals as a source of informa-tion and inspiration in my artroom. Teacher Preparation To prepare for this unit, I compose a brief note to families explaining the still-life unit and how students may participate by bringing in a small stuffed animal from home. This note is stapled to a small paper sack. I also write the name of each child on the bag with a marker. I usually send this home about two weeks prior to needing the animals. I also give a box to each classroom teacher to collect the stuffed animals as they come to school. Teach-ers then deliver the box to the artroom the next time the class attends art. Introduction I provide different forms of inspiration through books, online resources, and actual artifacts. Books such as Cordu-roy and The Velveteen Rabbit can be utilized as an introduction to the unit. Students’ stuffed animals from home can serve both as inspiration and a vehi-cle for developing observational skills. Drawing We start with a series of quick sketches to support observational skills. I rein-force breaking down the animals using both geometric and organic shapes as I demonstrate drawing. I also add a line behind the animal to show a surface the animal is sitting on. I provide 12 x 18" (30 x 46 cm) pieces 40 SEPTEMBER 2018 SchoolArts
School Arts Magazine September 2018: Page 44
