Welcome to ART at Pattison!
In Art Class your child will explore drawing, painting, and sculpture to express ideas about themselves and the world around them. We teach students that all images have meaning, and can be used to communicate, decorate, and celebrate. Our world is increasingly visual as we become more connected with technology. It is important for students to become fluent speakers of visual language.
|
Art teachers: Mrs. Maggitti and Mrs. Martin
|
Additionally, we recognize that the act of creating is just plain FUN! Who doesn't love playing with clay, swirling two blobs of paint together to create a new color, or discovering new ways to draw? Art is relaxing and therapeutic. When we make something new we feel SUCCESSFUL and PROUD. Both research and common sense tells us that when children are provided with positive ways to express their ideas and feelings they are buoyed through life's struggles by their own sense of self worth.
This year you will be amazed at how your child will grow artistically.
We ask you to do these few things to help them get the most out of their art class:
Send them in their play clothes.
We sometimes use art supplies that do not wash out. Students are encouraged to wear smocks in class (these are provided). We suggest you dress your child in their cutest clothes on Music days.
PRAISE their effort!
Tell them you love their work. Hang it on the wall. Make it the background on your phone. Kindergarten parents, if you can't tell what they drew, you might say "Tell me about your art!" instead of "What is it?"
You get big bonus parenting points when you select your favorite piece of art they've created and then FRAME IT!
Remind your child that nobody is perfect.
Every art project is an experiment. Like inventors or athletes, we know that mistakes will happen but continued practice brings us better results. At Pattison our students keep art portfolios to help document their personal growth. The only person your child should compare themself with is the person they used to be.
If your child is a perfectionist, you may wish to read the book Beautiful Oops with them. Practice "positive self talk" with your child. In order for this to work, you'll need to model it yourself! Replace "I can't do this" with "I try my best." Instead of "I'm no good at art" say "I get better every time I practice."
Provide time to create at home.
Parents of creative children make a place and space for their kids to invent. Every child should have their own set of crayons, markers, watercolors, scissors, and glue at home, with a supply of paper.
Visit a museum.
Houston is blessed with some of the finest museums in the world. Plan a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Menil Collection, the Center for Contemporary Craft, the Art Car Museum, or take a visit to the Orange Show.