I’m a few weeks into summer vacation and my wheels are turning as I think about next school year. When I think about the outcomes I want to create for my students, they are possible, in large part, due to the knowledge and structures we create to support learning.
I always do some reflecting in the summer, and after thinking about what I want the outcomes of time in the studio to be, this is it.
As they work in the studio, I want my students to:
Be inspired. I want them to connect with ideas they are excited about and make art that is relevant to them. Read more about some ways I try to accomplish this here.
Have the understandings and support to follow ideas. This is part knowledge and part structure. My physical classroom is set up so students can easily find and access supplies. My digital classroom, the online content I’ve created, is accessible in the form of Explorations that I can use with a whole class or share with individuals to use independently. The structures I’ve created in my physical and digital classrooms support students as they look for materials, tools, and information. This gives me the time to check in with everyone, work with those who need my help, and build relationships.
Find meaning, connection, and growth in the process. This is a lofty goal and it’s supported by choice, art-making knowledge, and the relationships I work hard to create in each of my classroom communities. I have my room set up in four groups of eight to facilitate conversation and collaboration. I work very intentionally to build positive relationships both between students and with them. For students to make artwork that is meaningful to them they have to feel comfortable, supported and connected to the classroom community as they explore ideas they care about.
This is what my classroom looked like at the start of last year. You can see labeled storage and material information, table groups set up and my student - directed display space. I like to start with room for each class to make the space their own, so it looks a bit empty and ready to be filled with new things.
Read more about room design that supports student-directed learning here.
I'll end with a picture from the end of the year, with much more personality.