Art is My Jam

Curriculum/Lesson Planning

Sometimes it can be hard to decide what art projects to teach because there are so many that I love, LOL. Here's how I start my curriculum map (and trust me it does get altered and changed). This is the start of 5th Grade curriculum.

One thing that I love to begin at the beginning of the year is for every student to create a "Name Design" Sketchbook Cover and Sketchbook, This has been the great things I've ever done because:

1. Helps you learn names faster And when teaching 650+ kiddos you need a little help,

2 Gives you an idea of what they art capable of.

3. Gives them a sense of ownership and pride.

4. Helps with early finishers - they can draw in it when they're done.

5. Great place to plan and draw out ideas for projects. Especially 3-D projects.

I outline my art lessons so I can be sure to order the correct & enough supplies for the school year. Although I try to do one big order, I almost always do a second order as the year gets closer to the end. Art teachers use a lot of supplies that are consumable so it's important to plan ahead. Always order a little more of the basic supplies than you think you will need. The basics, like white and black construction paper, markers, etc... go faster than you'd expect.

When I'm designing my curriculum, I usually start outlining my curriculum with the basics - subject matter and purposes in art. I make sure that I include both 2-D and 3-D lessons. Then I create a project around each of them. I also try to use a variety of different medium so students get to experience different techniques/materials.

I don't do the same projects year after year as I think it's boring and there's so many great artists and projects you can explore. But, I will admit I have a few that I love and sometimes they get used more often, lol.

I always sort each grade level with the basics/generic lesson ideas. Every grade will do at least one of each subject matter and purpose for art as listed below:

Lesson Ideas:

1. Portrait
2. Still Life
3. Landscape
4. Functional

5. Ceremonial
6. Expressive
7. Narrative

I try to make sure that a variety of medium is used with all grade levels. Yes, even Kindergarten...because if you start them young, they'll know how to use it and the possibilities are endless.