Discusses how students in a culturally diverse fourth grade class explored their own cultures and learned about other cultures, using quilts as a context. Notes that the students read books about quilts, conducted oral interviews of family members, wrote about their cultural traditions, and designed individual quilt squares. Concludes that the…

Describes how sketch journals are used at various times throughout the day and consistently throughout the year in the author's classroom. Presents a demonstration of the theme of experience and the powerful role that it can play in helping teachers improve. Notes how the author encourages students to reach deeper and to enter their own doorways…

Presents an activity for fourth-grade students where they learn about the French artist Edgar Degas through visualization and role-playing in which the students "visit" Degas' studio in 19th century Paris (France). Includes the objectives and goals of the lesson, materials needed, and helpful hints. (CMK)

Present a writing workshop incorporating drawing into the creative process. Finds that children become more focused when they add art as part of the process in a writing workshop. Notes that throughout the workshop, the author constantly pays attention to her students, asking them questions and posing problems to encourage growth in rigor and…

Describes a combined occupations/art unit for fourth- and fifth-grade students. The teacher shows slides of people in various careers, students then chose two pictures of people in occupational settings and discuss them, and finally students draw self-portraits of themselves in a career they find interesting. (CMK)

Presents an activity for fourth- and fifth-grade students in which they create a realistic or imaginative insect of their choice following a brief slide presentation on insects. Explains that the activity combines the use of line, shape, and color and takes two 40-minute class periods. (CMK)

Describes how sketch journals help students make connections in their learning across the curriculum through drawing and writing. Also called observation journals, the journals provide students with a tool for observation and a place to practice writing, respond to literature, take notes, solve problems, express themselves, and think in words and…