Teaching art

I have been teaching art at Lake Monroe Christian Academy for 13 years.  This is the school for children of staff at the USA Headquarters.  There are 42 children, from K through 8th.

A typical Monday…. 

I first get Joy ready to go visit with Lisa, her sister-in-law. Joy really enjoys hanging out with Lisa.  The dogs play with her, and Lisa will watch movies with her.

I arrive at school about 10:15, and set up for my first class.

The 5th and 6th grade class are studying drawing right now.  They have learned about gesture and contour drawing, and are now working on drawing by shape, adding texture and value. 

The 7th grade class is just starting their drawing unit.  Their previous units included one on photography and one on graphic design.

The 8th grade class is learning to draw faces, using the book by Lee Hammond, "Drawing Real People."  They are using a grid method of drawing, and have been learning to draw each facial feature, one at a time.  Before long, they will be drawing the whole face. 

My last class is done at 1:45, and then I wait till 2:30 for Nathan to finish his final class and his work detail.  We get home about 2:45, and I pick Joy up at 3:00.

I’ve enjoyed teaching art this year. Class dynamics are really good; and all the children, except one, are genuinely interested in art.  So teaching is a very positive experience this year.

• Pray that I will find adequate time to prepare for teaching, so that I am is not scrambling at the last minute to get ready for class.
• Pray that the children will enjoy art, and learn life skills from the experience.

Check out the new photo gallery, "Ruth Teaches Art."