Beatles and Candy!

Today was Mia and Rebecca's lesson. I have to say I am really enjoying all these different opportunities to play and make art without the pressure! So far, there has been a great variety in the art activities we've been doing. Mia and Rebecca did a great job at thinking up something that would get the class excited. Music and candy are two things that bring to mind a party, and I felt this in the class atmosphere today. Aaron mentioned that candy would not be a good medium to use with school kids, considering it would make a mess (bugs), and it would get eaten (sugar!). I can understand where he's coming from, and we do have to consider appropriateness with everything we bring to our classrooms. However, I appreciate Mia and Rebecca's creativity. To make art using edible materials is certainly done in the contemporary art world. The exposure to an art medium that differs from the traditional painting or drawing let's students know that art is accessible to everyone! I think all of the partnerships who have given their lessons so far have really thought about progressive art making and alternative materials and methods. The art world is in constant flux, and we as educators must be able to change along with it.
So, I was excited to make art with candy, but I was wondering during the demo, when language was going to come in to the lesson. Then, Mia mentioned that we would make our imagery inspired by Beatles songs! I was very happy, and so were a bunch of other people from the class. It was all fun and good times. I think these positive light-hearted activities are important in an art classroom. I do, however, think it's important that the fun aspect of the activities have a direct correlation with the conceptual aspects of the lesson. While we were making our candy art pieces, Sara came over with the video camera. She asked me how I was doing and why I thought we were using the Beatles? I said it was probably because they are a group whose music crosses generations, and they have such and extensive song library...oh...and they're awesome! She asked how it went along with the theme, and I wasn't really sure at first, then realized the artist we looked at earlier was using song lyrics in her work. When Sara asked me why I thought we were using candy, I had no idea. I really didn't see a reason that was rooted in the theme of the lesson (unit), but I also said I was so happy we were doing it that I didn't care.
It got me to thinking about what makes a successful lesson. We can come up with something our students enjoy and have a blast making. Getting them to be engaged is a huge part of success. The other part of course is, what are we teaching them? Also, how are we evaluating them? I thought Mia and Rebecca were very clear as to what we were being assessed on, they even supplied a worksheet to define it (color scheme, planning, etc.). I think the biggest thing is, having a reason for every decision we make. Jessica talked about this last semester. She said, "if you're using an 8 x10 sheet of white paper, have a reason for it". These are excellent words to live by, as an artist and as an art teacher. If we carefully consider every choice we make, our lessons and activities will flow seamlessly together.

Can't Buy Me Love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!







so I made that