Colin likes color. Specifically, he likes to color with markers. And nothing else. He does not like the 3-D projects we have taken part in, nor did he like to use only black pencil for our "color-by-number" this week. In fact, he "hated it." I sat next to him and asked him to help me with mine. After lots of grumbling, he did. And when the picture was complete, I asked him to sign his name, since he had helped with it. He would not. Eventually, he said he would do so only if I helped him finish his own "color-by-number." I happily obliged.
This is a video during the erased drawing activity:
As I noted in a previous week, it is important for students, particularly at this age, it seems, to be able to create artworks that include their interests. Colin loves superheroes and fiction characters, such as this "barnacle" he is referring to. If we allow students to incorporate their interests (and prior knowledge) into their work, they are more engaged, interested, and learn even more.
Later, in the museum, Colin "hated" the discussion we were having as a group. So, I took him by the hand and allowed him to speak to me about any artwork in a separate gallery. He clearly demonstrated the knowledge that we had discussed earlier in class, and that the rest of the class was discussing together. However, Colin needed that extra attention to show his understanding of value and to just talk about art. I was proud of him. Different students learn in different ways. I discovered how Colin learns. If it isn't entirely feasible to give such individual attention in a "real" classroom, it was certainly possible this past week. And I am glad it was.
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