Two Westminster art teachers, Kim Blodgett and Walter DuPriest, start their 8th grade students on a journey that begins with a word.  Students choose a word that has meaning to them at this point in their lives.   They start off with a few instructions on the materials to use (blue tape) and where to start, and then set off on a journey that inspires them to develop their artistic narrative of the word they selected.  In the process of constructing their narrative they learn a great deal about themselves.  Maybe the most important outcome of this project is the self-discovery that comes from reflecting on a word and building a personal narrative.  Below are some of the words and images of their artistic expressions.  Since the narrative evolves, the images capture a moment in time.

At the Center for Teaching, we encourage teachers to take risks in the design of their curriculum and instruction.  In taking a risk, the learning environment becomes a laboratory for exploring how to engage students in relevant and meaningful work.  Kim and Walter have taken a risk that benefits student learning about art and themselves.

For more information about this project, contact Kim or Walter below.

References:

Westminster Schools’ Middle School academic program

Kim Blodgett, Art Teacher, kimblodgett@westminster.net

Walter DuPriest, Art Teacher, walterdupriest@westminster.net