Each lead/art docent has their unique style to conduct a class. Some are more comfortable with powerpoints, some like books, posters and demonstrations better. They are all different forms of presentation. While we encourage all docents to teach a class the way they feel most comfortable with, we must emphasize, that each class should follow a basic structure. A handy guide on How to Teach a Class by our very experienced former chair Jo Richardson, can be very useful for all docents involved in the Explore Art program.
When planning the structure of your class, allow first 10 minutes to introduce the element of art of the lesson, the mediums they’ll be working with and the project itself. If it is a demo oriented project, you can use the help of a desk cam to demonstrate the draw along technique you’ll be using. Allow the kids enough time to work with you to follow instructions. Answer questions as they come and handle “accidents” in a confident but managable manner. Kids who finish early, include them in clean up or to gather supplies. Have some time in the end to recap the key learnings and ask the students what they enjoyed most or if there’s something new they learned during the lesson.
To engage the younger students, specially kindergarteners/ 1st /2nd graders, a picture book related to your project will create a huge impact, you can incorporate that in your presentation. Ask Mrs. Pratt at the library if she has a copy of the book you are planning to use, you can borrow that from the library for your class. Make sure to return it once your class is done. There are great narrations with animation of classic picture books on Youtube that you can certainly use in your presentation for younger kids. Some notable ones are:
Harold and the Purple Crayon for Line
Mouse Paint for Color
Good Night Moon for Space
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See for Shape
Planting a Rainbow for Color
A Snowy Day for Perspective/Space
Owl Moon for Texture
The Old Bear for Shape
Any Eric Carle book for Color, Pattern and Shape
Those of you who are interested in fused glass, we wanted to share with you some other resources and opportunities to practice your fused glass techniques or take them to another level with glass blowing!
Northwest Art Glass, Redmond, WA
Located near Whole Foods Market, Northwest Art Glass is a great place to buy your own glass, take classes, and work on your own fused glass projects in their studio workshops.
Molten Works Glass Studio, Woodinville, WA
Located in Woodinville, this is a glass fusing studio that offer fused glass classes and workshops. You may sign up for classes, or participate in one-time workshops to make vases, bowls, ornaments!
Paint Away, Redmond, WA
This small studio is a great place to do a parent-child glass fusing project together. Located in the heart of Redmond Town Center, this place offers a fun inertactive way to engage your child in glass art.
