Since last week was Spring Break for DCPS and the prior week was Spring Break for the Corcoran, I have not posted an entry for a while. This week was my first week at MLK elementary. It was interesting on many levels. First, in contrast to Amadon-Bowen: Simply put, there is a very different energy at MLK. Perhaps my impression will change next week, but the school seems much more orderly and calm than A/B. Perhaps it is because it is an established community. The hallways were calm and quiet and there seemed to be a positive energy to the place. Second, of course Bryan Hill has a dedicated art classroom. The room is set up with supplies around the perimeter of the room with tables in a "U" formation in the center of the room. Mr Hill seems to have plenty of storage space and utilizes the classroom well. He does not have a sink and brings in water in tubs on a cart when he has painting projects.
On Tuesday Bryan was giving a lesson using Miro paintings as an opportunity for the children to develop their visual attention to detail. I observed a first grade class as well as a fifth grade class. In the first grade class Bryan gave specific instructions on what elements needed to be in the work and gave them blue and yellow construction paper, glue sticks, scissors and crayons to finish the project. In the fifth grade class Bryan just asked them to make the work. These less specific instructions were in hopes that the children would be using their observations to identify what elements were in the painting and replicate these to complete the assignment.
The children were eager to be in this room and do their work. Only two or three children in each class needed support to complete the assignment. It was clear that some children struggled with the independent nature of the assignment and wanted step-by-step instructions but Bryan resisted this and encouraged their independent problem solving.
I was impressed with the balance of clear rules and warmth that Bryan maintains. He can clearly "speak the language" with these kids so that they know he is serious with his expectations but he seems to know how to do this while still joking with the kids and making them feel valued. He has authority in his classroom (one boy was not allowed to participate in the project because of misbehavior in the hallway), and he also provides a place of learning and fun for the children. The children's works are displayed beautifully in the hallway, again allowing the children an opportunity to be honored for their artistic contributions.
Keys to Bryan's success seem to be preparation, assignments that ensure artistic success for the children, consistency with rules and discipline, and celebration of the children's accomplishments.
