I think the main form of artistic expression that facilitates language learning in my classes is probably some form of drawing with pens, pencils, crayons and colored grease pencils. In an elementary school class that I taught over the winter break, I attempted a paper mache mask project with my students. It went surprisingly well considering the age-range (9-11). It was a lot of fun but it took a lot of class time. I think the students really enjoyed it and they had a chance to become exposed paper-mache/painting specific terminology in a very "hands on" setting. Although the supplies were somewhat costly (because I had to buy some kind of protective wear for the students), I look forward to doing it again in the future. It should be cheaper the next time around, because I had a lot of the paper-mache decorative items left over.
I am looking for project ideas outside of simple drawing exercises. I look forward to your comments and suggestions on what tactile artistic experiences I might explore in my future classes.
I have attached a picture (hopefully some pictures) of the masks my class made in January of 2007. I hope you enjoy the it/them.
5 comments:
I agree students can learn English enjoying making something. It sounds very fun to make a paper mache mask. I've ever made paper frogs in class reading explanation in English and listening to the music. After making frogs, we had a match whose frogs could jump far away. I gave some gift to the winner. At that time every students had fun.
It must be a great experience to students who learn English at class. They can really remember those expressions which they heard while they are making a paper mache mask. I've never had this experience in my class. But I'll try it soon.
It would be more helpful for my students to be interested in English if I can introduce your artsy things. Even though they are high school students, they are lack of English proficiency.
I have small hope for that. Please reduce the class students to 20!!!
I once made English magazine with my students. There were rules in the activity. First, English only. Second, everbody together. It works. We laughed and enjoyed the time even though it took a lot of time. My students were proud of themselves after completing their magazines. This year I will try paper folding. Good luck to me..
I haven't had chances to use many artsy things in my class actually. However, I always think and study how to teach them effectively. Using crafsy things in my classroom will definately change my students in a positive way.
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