The art program curriculum at Hebrew Day School builds from year to year in a cumulative way. Progression through the grades is shown here. The program includes broad exposure to works of art from different eras, cultures and art criticism and aesthetics at levels appropriate to the students’ development. This is all done within the context of hands-on artwork and related discussions. In class, students learn to be collaborative and flexible, as well as accepting and appreciative of others’ ideas and expressions – all important life-skills. Art class engages both the intellectual and emotional aspects of the children as they continue to gain confidence in expressing themselves through art.

In addition to meeting state and national achievement standards, the HDS art curriculum is structured to support “visual literacy” in the students through an understanding of concepts in visual arts. The concepts that the program explores include but are not limited to: line, shape, form, color, value, texture, dimension, unity, balance, movement, rhythm, contrast, emphasis, and pattern. Using these concepts in their artwork allows the children to express in a visual way their thoughts and feelings about the world around them. “Art is thought, sensitively expressed.”

All students from the Gan through Grade 5 have studio art class once a week, ranging in time from one half to one full hour, depending on grade level. The art curriculum revisits and builds upon the basic concepts in visual art from year to year.

The goals of the art program are as follows:

• To develop the students’ knowledge of art vocabulary, theory, and processes
• To provide art experiences with a wide variety of media and techniques
• To develop skills in the students necessary for expressing themselves visually
• To expose students to a wide variety of artists, styles of art, purposes of art, and art history
• To help the students in developing aesthetic appreciation and a personal sense of aesthetics
• To encourage the students to find an area of pleasure for themselves within the world of visual arts
• To provide a context that facilitates expression of the students’ Jewish thought, culture and viewpoint

What happens in art class?

Art studio almost always begins with discussion to introduce the students to concepts they will be learning. During the discussion, the children view a variety of artworks relevant to the concepts being presented. Sometimes the work is by famous artists; other times it may be student work, or work of unknown artists. Through these discussions, over time, the children are exposed to works of art from many countries, cultures, and time periods.

Following discussion, the class moves to a teacher demonstration of the medium and process to be explored, so that the students have an overview of the technique, learn proper use and care of the materials, and can proceed independently with the studio work. Execution of the activity allows the students to explore the concepts presented, and to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts. Projects are open-ended in terms of each child’s creative interpretation and level of developmental skill. Some art activities can be accomplished in one session, but most are carried over several art periods, depending on the grade level and the particular activity.

Over the course of the year, the students are exposed to a wide variety of media and techniques. In 2004-2005, the classes worked in drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and other areas.

The learning environment

The art room is a special, emotionally safe place. At the beginning of art class, the teacher takes time to make sure the children disengage from whatever distractions or stresses they may experience in other realms, so that the class can focus freshly on the topic. In art, each child is encouraged to express him- or herself freely through whatever media that are being used. The students are learning that, unlike some academic areas, there is no one “right” or “wrong” way in artistic expression. This is a unique idea to many kids and teacher and students must consistently work together to accept, and to value what each individual creates. Over time, the students learn how to analyze works of art, how to critique work within a given context, and they are able to build a working vocabulary that allows them to express what they think and feel about an artwork in a thoughtful manner.

The art classroom is student-oriented, and is physically planned for high mobility. Independence is encouraged. The school strives to create a physical environment that is visually pleasing and inspiring without being over-stimulating or confusing. Artwork of all kinds is on display and changes periodically. Students learn to take responsibility for the art materials and for maintaining the classroom.

Assessment

Assessment shows the students’ growth and progress, and guides instruction and choices of pedagogical strategies. Students are assessed in the following areas:

• Whether they participate constructively in discussion
• Whether they demonstrate an understanding of concepts presented
• Whether they demonstrate understanding of art processes and skills presented
• Whether they expend effort and concentrate on their tasks
• Whether they use art materials responsibly, with proper care
• Whether they are attentive and cooperative
• Whether they demonstrate respect for their own artwork and that of others

Parents’ role

Parents can be a great support in their child’s art education. Parents are welcome to observe or participate in an art class. Parents can assist in hanging the art displays, gathering supplies for the classes, donating supplies, and assisting in the classroom when we are working with processes that require a high degree of supervision.

Parents can also make an important difference by encouraging their child’s artistic endeavors, providing simple art supplies and setting up an art area at home, and displaying the children’s artwork. Take out books from the library about art or artists: the HDS library has an extensive collection of children’s biographies of artists. Visit art museums together, and if you can’t get to a museum, visit its website! Prospective parents are welcome to observe a class during a tour of the school, and can see at most times of the year the students’ work displayed in the hallways.