2005 Grant Application Details

Hillside Elementary

Volunteer Art Literacy Program

Proposed by:  Zoe Cohen        Carrie Thomas          

Description: This yearlong, school wide supplemental art literacy program is coordinated and run by volunteers with the help of classroom teachers. The mission of the program is to broaden student's exposure to art, fostering each child's unique vision of their world and an appreciation of how art enriches our lives. Each K-5 classroom is assigned a team of volunteers with experience in visual art. Volunteers come to the classrooms at regularly scheduled times determined by the teacher. Classroom teachers work with the volunteers to approve the lesson plans and specify certain curriculum units to integrate with art projects. Volunteers bring the materials, tools and visual aids necessary for each lesson. The art sessions cover basic visual literacy integrating historical, cultural and language components. Lessons cover the five elements of design- line, form, color, texture and space as well as the major principles of design- emphasis, rhythm, contrast, balance, unity and pattern.

Why is this project important: Studies show that children demonstrate increased abilities in critical thinking, problem solving and creativity as a result of participating in a strong art education program. It is important to reach children at a young age to incorporate a lifelong appreciation of the visual world they inhabit. As with other enrichment subjects, teachers and volunteers are committed to ensuring that these lessons enhance and build on the traditional core curriculum that has long been Hillside's focus.

Who is served by this project, and how many: The entire Hillside student body (150 K-5) will be served by the project.

Does this build on previous work: This program was started at Hillside in 2004. This volunteer effort helped support teaching staff by stretching limited resources and enhancing curriculum. We hope to increase the materials available this year with funding through this grant, and broaden the program to include outreach project kits and art related field trips. The program makes use of resources already available to the school including McGraw Hill SRA Connections, 4J recommended art curriculum, and 4J IMC materials (slides, posters, books and kits). Many projects make use of available school supplies and donations.

How will this be evaluated: Students will hold a public art show at Hillside's Annual Family Fun Night in March. The final year end art lesson in each classroom will be a slide show where students identify and discuss their understanding of different works of art. The student's general interest in art and increased abilities to demonstrate understanding of art terms and concepts will be a strong indicator of program effectiveness. In addition, teachers and volunteers will be given an opportunity to formally critique the program and offer suggestions for the future. Finally, the Volunteer Art Coordinator will take this feedback and form a committee to draft a booklet in outline form to be followed in future years and shared with other schools interested in implementing a similar program.