We had a great time at our fall Family Summit this past week. This year we had a slightly different format – with offerings like haircuts, flu shots and food – in addition to our “speed dating” style of conferencing. But if you couldn’t make it that night, never fear! Here is a quick run down of what we covered at the Endless Artroom table…
The Endless Artroom is a choice-based classroom with media specific centers available to students. As new centers open, students learn the materials and techniques particular to that center. Choices are driven by student interest. My goal is to teach students the possibilities that exist within the center with short demonstrations and then I get out of their way!
Little do they know that while they work, I quietly “orbit” around them, observing their practice. I invite them to share details of what they are working on, give gentle reminders and, most importantly, look for evidence that they are beginning to incorporate Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM).
While observing, I’m also jotting down notes into my trusty binder. In this binder, each student has a page on which I record the Studio Habits I’ve observed and any comments or discussion we have. In this way, the student’s artistic process is the work I am “grading” rather than the product itself. This is really the hallmark of a choice-based classroom, and a much more authentic way to assess students.
For the Family Summit we pulled together our first “pop-up” art show where students displayed works they completed in the painting and drawing centers, along with their artist statements (a reflective writing piece). Feel free to stop by and check out the incredible artwork, which will be on display for the next few weeks.
The Endless Artroom 
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