Elementary Art

Grounded in our department philosophy to enable students to grow as creative thinkers and authentic artists, our instructional approach (based on the TAB: Teaching Artistic Behaviors model) centers around giving students choice to pursue their own work. Through the Studio Habits of Mind, students learn the process of creating art and being a member of an artistic community. Through this approach, students are empowered to work as true artists, set their own goals, and pursue meaningful learning.

Elementary Visual Arts Staff

Nicole Haskin

Kids are artists so let’s give them the space to create! My goal as an art educator is to make sure all of my students have a safe, welcoming, energetic, all inclusive art studio where they have full ownership over their artist process. Here at MKES your students will have the opportunity to experience all different types of art mediums such as drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, and clay! Along with these different mediums your students will engage in studio habits of mind. There are 8 studio habits:

Engage & persist
Express
Develop Craft
Stretch & explore
Observe
Envision
Understanding Art Communities
Reflect

Each of these habits are an important part of having your students move into independence as an artist! The art studio is the home where TAB “Teaching for Artistic Behavior” comes to life with your students and where their growth as an artist thrives!

Sarah Gilchrist

My love for art and instilling a sense of creativity and wonder in children, made teaching art a perfect fit for me. It is wonderful to gain a window and perspective into how kids see and make sense of the world. To be able to help them find their voice through the arts is truly rewarding. I believe that teaching choice helps us get back to our roots. One of the first things we do as human beings is to make marks and draw, before we learn how to write. It is our first communication medium. Choice allows children to create and communicate authentically instead of simply mimicking what adults think children should express. Providing choice for our students allows for more creative ownership, giving them the skills to direct and value their own learning experiences.

Mari Burg