CAA Teacher Grant News

We love hearing from our teacher grant recipients about how they're using CAA micro-grants for art supplies and lessons in their classrooms. Here's notes from teachers at our local schools with some of their students' works. Art in the classroom is a vital part of learning and helps students solve problems, think creatively, collaborate on ideas, and enjoy the moment. We commend teachers who make art a part of their curriculum.

Karen Noh, 4th-grade teacher, Ayers Elementary:

With funds for quilling needles and paper strips, my students learned how to form various shapes with their paper strips. They had opportunities to play around with various tools and even try out an electric quilling needle that, to their giggles and delight, spins the paper strips into coils in seconds. They were also inspired to use other materials, including chalk pastels... thank you for the funding and, more importantly, for inspiring my fourth graders and other young children to seek new forms and media for their art.  You bring out the artist in them.

Beth Kim, 4th-grade teacher, Cambridge Elementary:

The grant has allowed me to do many watercolor projects with my students, such as bookmarks, holiday cards, and just painting for pleasure. The grant has made it possible to also buy materials for students to make their own tissue paper and modge podge ornaments with a secret wish or memory of favorite holiday tradition inside. I've also purchased oil pastel sets, and students will be making portraits in the cubist style. These supplies really help fill in the gap for art education at my school. 

Mrs. Columbram and Mrs. Lemak, Ygnacio Valley Elementary:

Our students are currently working on an art project focused on trees. They are creating a guided drawing of a landscape featuring trees, following step-by-step instructions from the teachers. The process begins with a pencil sketch, which they then outline using black markers. Finally, they will bring their artwork to life by painting it with watercolor paints.

Sophie Wheeler used her grant to expand her classroom library at Woodside Elementary. Her students show their new books. Thanks Ms. Wheeler!