Modified Lessons
Modifying lesson plans is critical when building a successful classroom that addresses every child's needs. I believe that it is necessary to provide equal educational opportunities for all students. I strive to support diverse learners by meeting their needs and utilizing their strengths. I accomplish this by working with the Special Education Department to create lesson modifications. Below are three examples of modified art lessons.
Romero Britto
Fifth grade students learned about pattern, line, and color through studying the Brazilian artist, Romero Britto. In a formative activity, students discovered how to apply Britto’s simplistic, playful, and brightly colored style. For the summative assessment of this unit, students had to create a painting that incorporates four symbols that represent themselves. The painting had to utilize overlap, segmenting lines, and patterns to reflect the style of Romero Britto. To modify this lesson for students who are differently abled, I segmented the project paper into four sections. In each section the student drew a symbol that represented them. This helped the students complete the project in a way that best supported their needs.
Las Molas
Fourth grade students learned about the element of balance. They discovered that there are three types of balance, which are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. In this lesson, we studied balance by learning about las molas, which is a style of art from Panama. This beautiful art form is full of bright colors and represents the culture of the people in Panama. Students created their own mola through the art of printmaking with styrofoam plates. Students had to create a design that incorporated a silhouette of an animal and various patterns. To modify this project for my students who are differently abled, I used stencils. These stencils were of simplified animal silhouettes and of various shapes. This modification allowed every student to complete the lesson in a way that best supported their needs.
ThankYouX
This is a collaborative art lesson inspired by the artwork of ThankYouX. ThankYouX is an artist who gained fame through his graffiti art. He is known for his geometric mixed media cube paintings. For our Collaborative Identity Cubes project each student created their own cube using patterns, designs, and colors that reflect their individuality. The cubes were combined to create this mural, which reflects the unity of the Windsor Wildcats. To modify the lesson for students who struggle with using their fine motor skills, I provided stickers to create a collage that represents their identity rather than a drawing. This modification allowed all students to be successful.
