Writing in the Art Room

I have been trying very hard to include writing in my curriculum this year. I believe, as art teachers, that we should try to tie in and supplement the regular curriculum whenever possible. One little way I do that is through writing. Writing can be done as a "warm up" or as a "wind down." It can take up a whole lesson or it can fill a few minutes. Writing in art can be done in so many creative ways. Here are just some of the ways I include writing with my lessons.

• Have students write an Artist Statement to attach to their projects. I ask my students to discuss their inspiration, the process they used to create their art, and any personal stories relating to their art.
• 30 Second Look is one of my favorite activities, especially in the elementary. If you have an interactive white board, display a work of art for 30 seconds and then have students make a list of as many things they can remember from the art.
• Display a work of art and have each student write a "hook" to make their reader more excited to learn more about that painting.
• Create a five senses chart for a work of art. Pretending you are inside the painting, what do you feel? taste? smell? see? hear?
• Create a writing that details the process followed to create a work of art. Use transition words and pictures.
• Create a KWL chart before a lesson. For example, before I teach Egyptian Art I ask them what they KNOW, WANT TO KNOW, and then what they've LEARNED after the project is finished.
• Have reflection journals where students can not only draw sketches, but make notes about what they like about their art, what they would change, etc.
• Have students write about the art of another student.
• Younger children can simply describe what they see in a work of art.

I have come to embrace writing in my curriculum rather than dread having to enforce that activity. There are easy ways to do so. I truly believe it's important to show administrators, parents, and fellow teachers that art is a class that is beneficial and supportive in many ways.