Monster Project!

When reading through the different classroom to classroom or multiple school projects, I found that the Monster Project would be a great way to have more art in the classroom.  At my school the students have an art specialist, that they love, however they only have art once a week for an hour.  I am a huge proponent of supporting the arts, especially visual arts.  I believe that there are many different ways that art can be used in the classroom.  Whether it be to help with math, or social studies it is an underutilized tool that students enjoy.  I think that although my students are a little older (5th grade) a project like this will allow them to put academics on hold for a while and participate in something that is new, fun, and exciting.This project address’s a lot of the California State Standards.  In the Visual Arts section it hits most of standard 2.0.

2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSIONCreating, Performing, and Participating in the Visual Arts Students apply artistic processes and skills, using a variety of media to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art. Skills, Processes, Materials, and Tools

2.1 Use one-point perspective to create the illusion of space.
2.2 Create gesture and contour observational drawings.
2.3 Demonstrate beginning skill in the manipulation of digital imagery (e.g., computer-generated art, digital photography, or videography). Communication and Expression Through Original Works of Art
2.4 Create an expressive abstract composition based on real objects.
2.5 Assemble a found object sculpture (as assemblage) or a mixed media two-dimensional composition that reflects unity and harmony and communicates a theme.
2.6 Use perspective in an original work of art to create a real or imaginary scene.
2.7 Communicate values, opinions, or personal insights through an original work of art.

Since the Monster Project revolves around creating a piece of art that is only described to the students in words they are required to be creative in what their design is.  The adjectives used will be shown in different ways by every student.  I think that is one of the beauty's of art.  Since I am working with older students one of the variations I would make to this project is instead of creating just one monster for the class.  I would have every student make their own monster.  I think this would add a really great perspective on the creativity aspect of the project.  The way I would go about doing this is every day that "Monster Project" was on the schedule, the students would work on a different part of the monster.  This way we are still working as a class but every students work is their own.  I might even have the class as a whole still do a large monster and the individual monsters can be a smaller size.  I think this is also a great way of keeping all of the students involved.

Also I see this as being a semester project.  Not as something to rush through, but as something that can be added to the schedule once or twice a week as needed.  Since there are so many other schools participating, and so many parts of a monster, I think it would be a longer type of project.  How long does it last for in most classes?  Since writing is stressed upon very much in the 5th grade, I would incorporate a writing portion into the project.  Sticking with the creative theme, I think a short story of your monster (name, birthday, birthplace, education...) could be a lot of fun and touch on lots of the literacy standards such as:

1.0 Writing Strategies Students write clear, coherent, and focused essays. The writing exhibits the students’ awareness of the audience and purpose. Essays contain formal introductions, supporting evidence, and conclusions. Students’ progress through the stages of the writing process as needed. 

Organization and Focus

 1.1 Create multiple-paragraph narrative compositions:

a. Establish and develop a situation or plot.

b. Describe the setting.

c. Present an ending.

This would be a fun way to touch on the standards.   For the first couple of days doing this project I can see the kids being very excited, i.e. loud and crazy.  Which I think is fine as long as they are on task.  I am all about organized chaos. I think in a 5th grade class the students need to learn how to self regulate and what better way than to practice.  I could also see the classroom becoming sort of...um...a disaster area.  Paper, glue, markers, staples, tape and so on...art supplies.  Also fine by me, I am also for cleaning up your mess, and I think that an ongoing art project is a great way to accomplish that theory.Once the project was finished I would take pictures of all of the monsters and share them online.  Once they were online I would show the kids how the other schools created their monsters, and explain again how people visualize things differently based on a multitude of different reasons.Overall I think this project can be a fun and exciting way for the students to learn, I plan on presenting this project to my lead teacher.  So next year I hope to join Terry and all of the other schools participating in this amazing project.