A Complete Guide for the Classroom
by Rhian Brynjolson
Portage & Main Press, 2009
ISBN 978-1-55379-195-9
$48.50, 336 pp, index, all grade levels
www.portageandmainpress.com
In this resource, the author (also teacher, artist and illustrator) offers a practical and comprehensive discussion of visual art education for classroom teachers. Part One deals with why art education is important and what an effective art program and art-friendly classroom will look like, the needs of both developing and proficient artists, and suggestions for adapting activities for gifted students and students with special needs. There are also chapters on assessment and displaying students’ work. In the following sections, ideas for teaching art are outlined (e.g., drawing, working with colour, collage, sculpture, multimedia) with activities building on previous lessons and experiences. This resource is well illustrated with samples of students’ artwork and there are many tips and suggestions for integrating art into other curriculum areas. Useful websites and resources are listed in appendices. This excellent resource will help you plan a year’s worth of quality art education that will nurture your students’ abilities and creativity, whether or not art is your specialty.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s November 2010 issue.