TEAMWORK in ART and LIFE
Empower students to become their best selves!
CRVAEA Mini-Conference Presentation...Saturday, February 20, 2016
With gratitude,
Kimberly Ellington and Betty Blackburn
Teachers of Children Through ART
O.B. Gates Elementary School, Chesterfield County, VA
*Peace, Love, art image from original design by Kerry Bober (RISD, Providence, RI)
*T*E*A*M*W*O*R*K*
( - Nikki M. , Grade 5, 2007)
Over the years, Gates artists have been inspired to create their own teamwork signs and artwork!
TEAMWORK card descriptors:
Keep TRYING!
E - EACH person...
...is special and important.
...accepts responsibility.
A - ALWAYS be on task.
ASK if you don understand.
M - use you best MANNERS.
W - Be WILLING to share, help, and cooperate.
WAIT YOUR TURN patiently.
O - ORGANIZE your time and your work.
R - RESPECT yourself and others.
RAISE YOUR HAND before you speak.
K - KEEP voices QUIET.
KEEP trying!
copyright 1995 Ellington/Blackburn
Gates fifth graders in process on individual paintings...and using teamwork at the blue color station.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Human interaction is a life skill. Although artists enter the artroom/studio as individuals, they are part of a class, a group of artists creating in the same space. Teamwork and collaboration skills are increasingly in need in everyday life and work, as educators have been told so often since the turn of the 21st century. Being able to function as a class successfully - with cooperation and kindness - is essential to making the most of each and every art class...for EVERY child!
Doesn't it take A LOT of time to teach this concept, letter by letter?
In truth, YES, teaching the TEAMWORK model intensively does involve a commitment of time. Remember that this does not have to be taught all at the same time or in one class period! (Though if you can teach all of the letter concepts in an enjoyable and creative way all at once, go for it!). And remember that the idea includes not only presenting each letter, but teaching and re-teaching these concepts throughout the school year. After you introduce them initially, look for those "teachable moments". Take every opportunity to connect what happens in your classroom with the goals in the model. Revisit, remind, and reteach as needed!
Is teaching the TEAMWORK model really worth the time one might spend on it?
We can only report based on our experience, and we say, "Absolutely.YES." We find that "front-loading " the school year with these concepts and goals works for our students as the year progresses. As it is taught and re-taught, year after year, it becomes part of the fabric of what we do in the art room. The children know it (almost by heart!), they come to expect it, and they know that it is what we expect of them - not just for us or even themselves, but for each other!
Posters on permanent display in the Gates art room