I have been teaching Grade 4 Art once a week. Since this group is particularly artsy, it has been has been quite fun and easy to motivate them to do their work. The few in the class that did not enjoy art, however, was a little bit more difficult to motivate and encourage. I learned quickly that it was the effort and motivation I was looking for in these students, and not the quality of the finished product.
We've done some fun projects such as half-Picasso self-portraits and abstract various abstract pieces. Some of them have even surprised my with their creativity and imagination. Some of their work turned out differently than expected, but I was thrilled that they could incorporate their artistic creativity into the project.
However, I'm trying a more web-based approach to teaching this class where I post the guidelines, tutorials, and assignments, and with a small bit of lecture at the beginning of the class, the students are mostly working and exploring on their own. It's an interesting mix between a CTS and Art class.
I set up Learn Photoshop 101, and it has been beneficial to everyone. I can go around and help students that need a bit more help, and those that are a bit more advanced and working ahead can go onto the next lesson that I have posted. This way, the class isn't stalled because some students are not quite finished their projects yet.
The students have impressed me with the results and the direction that they've taken with some of the projects and how well they are working in class. The students are at different points and on different lessons, but I have been able to efficiently manage their work learning!
Check out some of the hard work my students have done!