Evergreen Public Schools
Art Discovery Program
Art Discovery is the Elementary Art Curriculum in the Evergreen Schools. The Art Discovery Program provides K-5 students with an opportunity to explore Great Art in the classroom, by using fine art reproductions. The goal of the program is to expose students to different types of art and art techniques and to teach them Basic Elements and Principles of Art. Monthly lessons revolve around a different topic each month. Each Art Discovery lesson is based on a set of visuals and is followed by a related hands-on project that the volunteer develops based on student level and interest.
Evergreen Public Schools needs parents, grandparents, and other willing community adults or high school students to become ART DISCOVERY VOLUNTEERS! Volunteers provide K-5 students with an opportunity to explore Great Art in the classroom, by using Fine Art Reproductions. Outlined below is some general information about the Art Discovery Program.
Art Discovery 101 Power Point Presentation
Why is the Art Discovery Volunteer Program important?
Looking at and talking about art encourages thinking skills: observing, remembering, comparing, questioning and making choices. Learning about art helps students to form and verbalize their own ideas, which cultivates creative thinking as well as language ability. Great art has always enriched people's lives. Volunteers, as well as the students, find this program extremely enjoyable!
Who can be an Art Discovery Volunteer?
YOU CAN! Art Discovery volunteers are people who enjoy working with young people. You don’t have to be an artist or have an artistic background. We just need your ENTHUSIASM! Being an Art Discovery volunteer is a special way for a parent or a grandparent to become involved in the classroom. So much is accomplished each month, with just a minimum investment of time!
What is the time commitment for an Art Discovery Volunteer?
Presentation time should be approximately 20-25 minutes. Each school has a workbook containing information on the artist, the art, discussion suggestions and project ideas -- or you may find all this same information on this web site. It is very helpful for volunteers to read ALL of the packet information each month, before their presentation...or at least all about the specific pieces you will present to the class. But you are not expected to memorize it or share it ALL with the kids. It would take much too long and you would lose their attention. Read the information a few days in advance and review it again, just before the presentation. The time required for studying the information will vary, but averages about an hour. Pick information that YOU find the most interesting, to share with the students. This will make it more fun for you. If you enjoy what you’re sharing with them, they will too!
Parent/volunteers mostly choose to stay around, after the presentation and project instruction, until the kids finish the project. This is a great opportunity to get to know the class and give some encouragement to the students! Other volunteers may present the material and simply bring in classroom supplies (construction paper, clay, etc.), give instructions for the project and have the teachers oversee the project creation. Most teachers are happy to do this if it is discussed beforehand. Leave a simple sample of the project for the teacher. If you don’t stay in the class for the project, you should be finished in about half an hour. Discuss your preference in presentation style with the classroom teacher, so they know what to expect.
How often do I need to give a Presentation?
Art Discovery Presentations are given once a month. You are encouraged to visit twice a month, to review the information and lead a second discussion and project, if your time and the teacher’s allow it. Use of the packet (the carrier of visuals that changes each month) is scheduled, so everyone has a chance to use it. (Second visits may require checking out a library book for visual aids.)
At the end of each month, the packet is sent on the School District Pony Mail, to the next school on the rotation schedule. Each school has an Art Discovery Coordinator who makes sure this is done. PACKETS MUST REACH THE NEXT SCHOOL BY THE FIRST SCHOOL DAY OF EACH MONTH—NO EXCEPTIONS PLEASE! Be considerate of the school, volunteers and children that are ahead of you. Never wait until the last day of the month to schedule your presentation! When you are finished, check to be sure ALL of the materials have been returned to the packet. Be sure videos are not left in the classroom, return samples to the Project Sample Envelope, and account for ALL pictures included in the packet! You need to have a complete packet for your own presentation, be certain the packet is complete for the next class and school.
How do I get started?
Please contact your school's Art Discovery Coordinator and let them know that you are interested in being an Art Discovery volunteer. Each Elementary School has its own Art Discovery coordinator and you can get their contact information either from the school's Art Discovery web pages under "Academics" or just ask the school secretary.
Questions?
If you have any other questions about Evergreen Public Schools' Art Discovery Program, Please feel free to contact the District Art Discovery Coordinator, Kate Altenhof-Long.
604-3962
Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who make this program happen!!
