Using Resources in the Classroom

Throughout the semester we have been talking about a variety of resources that we could use in the classroom along with teaching students empathy. All the resources and themes that we have discussed can all be intertwined to do what works best for your students. This semester we have specifically spent time talking about journals, blogs, zines, imovie, and comics in the classroom to improve literacy in the classroom.

How can you use these resources in the art room to improve literacy? Well, that is easy what do all these resources have in common, they are all reading materials. Having students write and reflect in a journal or blog will help develop a deeper sense of meaning. Students will learn how to reflect on the projects they are working on and be able to work thoughts out by writing or blogging. While students are working on their blogs/journals they are practicing their writing and communication skills. As teachers we can talk about blog etiquette and writing styles when introducing the blog assignment. So much of today's world is on the internet it is important for students to learn how to write on a blog in a professional way, not in shorthand. Creating projects around this idea of using a blog/journal in the classroom can be beneficial for the students because it will require students to gather their thoughts. This assignment would also help students to all have an equal voice in the classroom.

Comics and zines are very prevalent in our society today. There are comics/zines about almost anything that you could like to read about. There are also graphic novels that connect reading and art together as well. Having students create their own comic and zine is a good way to incorporate literacy into the art room because students have to find a way to write and convey their message then also depict their message. Having students create projects that advocate for something they support in their lives will help the students to convey deeper meanings in their artwork. Comics and zines are a great way for students to discuss topics that interest them.

When looking at my classroom the resource that I will most likely use the most is the use of the blog. I feel that this is a great way to incorporate writing into art and also create a virtual classroom. Students will be able to all have a voice and their own opinions that will be heard. When I was in school I did not like to share during class, but if I would have had the option to blog I would have been more likely to share my thoughts and ideas. I want all my students to be heard. When looking at the resource that I will struggle with more than others it would be comics. This semester is the most time I have ever worked with comics. I need to familiarize myself with more comics so I feel more confident to introduce them in my classroom. I believe most students would appreciate learning about comics and creating their own. Students can create comics about any topic that they are interested in. Learning about new resources to use in the classroom will help engage student interest.  

I have attached a link to a good resource I found will looking at blogging in the classroom. http://www.lsa.umich.edu/UMICH/sweetland/Home/Instructors/Teaching%20Resources/UsingBlogsintheClassroom.pdf.