Fifth Graders Learn Science Through Art

Alimacani fifth graders used their observational skills to draw shells from the shores of Florida.  Students studied each shell, compared the textures and imagined how they served as homes to the many sea creatures found off our coast.  In fifth grade science classes they learn to observe plants and animals and recognize how they are alike in the way they look. 

Science Integration in Art Class

Arts & Science is the theme this month as art students at Alimacani practice their skills of observation by drawing creatures of nature.  

Forth graders reviewed the parts of insects learned in prior grades allowing them to sketch  anatomically correct insects in a pleasing composition. Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.

Alimacani Art Class Update: 3rd Grade Tutti-Fruity Still Life Paintings

Alimacani 3rd graders are studying still life paintings this month.  They learned about still life paintings from famous artists around the world then put their creative minds to work. 

They showed their knowledge of adding depth to their art by overlapping. 

Getting to Know You: Art Classes Begin at Alimacani Elementary

Students at Alimacani have visited the Art Classroom at Alimacani and learned all about the Rituals & Routines in Mrs. Woodlief's art class.  Below is a video created to introduce them and get them excited about all the projects and art learning that will take place!

Art Teachers LOVE Summer Learning!

For many teachers, summer is a time for rest, relaxation and recovery!  For me and my art teacher friends, that lasts about two weeks then we're ready for some summer professional development! 

Each summer, I travel to a different  country with Jacksonville University’s International Education Program.  In this study abroad class for art educators, we traveled to the United kingdom to study the art & architecture of London.  

Tate Britan Museum

We meet before the trip to research artists, movements, monuments and architecture.  Once in London, we meet for class at a different art museum each day then present our research.  We also traveled to the ancient city of Bath to visit the Roman Baths and traveled to see Stonehenge, a 5,000 year old manmade circle of standing stones.  

Stonehenge

The Roman Bat

My favorite part of the trip was a visit to a British Primary School!  We observed an art class in Hackney, outside of London.  We brought art supplies from the United States as a thank you to the students for allowing us to visit.   The school visit has made me so excited to return home to Jacksonville to teach my own students about the art & architecture from around the world!

Visit to a Primary School Art Class

Students are learning to mix flesh tones 

Afternoon English Tea at Fortnum & Mason

Art teachers after riding the London Eye

Beautiful flowers everywhere!

New Art Teacher, Mrs. Woodlief Joins Alimacani

Greetings from new Alimacani Elementary Art Teacher, Terry Woodlief. I am thrilled to join the Alimacani Family to serve as Art Teacher and honored to continue the good work of my friend and retired colleague, Michell Corely.  

I have many fun and artful projects planned for Alimacani students with lessons aligned with Florida Sunshine State Standards for visual arts as well as cross-curricular connections.  I invite you to visit this blog often as I will post the latest happenings in the art room along with lots of images of exciting art making by the students of Alimacani Elementary School in Duval County, Florida.

Here is a little about me:
I am a veteran art teacher with vast experiences in visual art and museum education.  I have written visual arts curriculum for DCPS, mentored beginning art teachers and presented professional development workshops at the local and state level.  

What does art teaching mean to me?  It means I get to be a rock star every day.  You will find me in my art classroom donning an artistic apron and paint splattered shoes as we sing and dance - learning about the magic of mixing paint, the science of forming sculpture and imagining the lives of artists around the world.  I perform with my puppet who helps me tell tales of art history and faraway places. This rock star career in art education has a pretty amazing job description!  The best part is knowing these experiences are making lasting memories for my students.

As an arts educator, I am responsible for encouraging the development of visual-spatial abilities, reflection, and experimentation.  What would Leonardo da Vinci say?  He was planning cities and inventing flying machines between painting such great works as the Mona Lisa and the Last Supper.  

Arts education teaches and nurtures creativity, judgment, and discipline.  It’s in my art class that I’m preparing students for future success in a global economy.  I am committed to lead my art students, give their right brains a workout and help them become the creative thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.

If you are interested in seeing more about my work, please visit my classroom blog at: https://cresarteducator.blogspot.com/2019/