Language and vocabulary development are a vital part to understanding any subject. Specifically with art is it easy to assume that one can understand art be looking visually at the art itself. However, without the proper knowledge of terms and language to discuss the art and without the lens of understanding art technique, it makes understanding art to be a relatively difficult task. Language allows artist the capabilities to name the elements and principles of art and design in their own work. Art vocabulary propelled students to higher levels of thinking and perceiving art. Without the development of language, in any subject you only know so much as you can discuss, write, or comprehend articles about the art.
Vocabulary Games
Games are an engaging way to help students commit term to memory. It can be hard to write, listen, read, and discuss definition after definition. However, games help to alleviate some of what makes students "check out" during regular introductory lessons. Some game ideas include: Art Jeopardy, Swat It!, Pepper, etc,
Games are an engaging way to help students commit term to memory. It can be hard to write, listen, read, and discuss definition after definition. However, games help to alleviate some of what makes students "check out" during regular introductory lessons. Some game ideas include: Art Jeopardy, Swat It!, Pepper, etc,
Word Wall
A word wall can be a really visually affective way to display both words to know and their definitions. If the Word Wall is organized it can help students conceptualize the word itself and place it in a category of other terms. One way a Word-Wall could be organized is with a three. The trunk would be " Visual Art" and the branches would each have a sub category like: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Digital, Photography, Elements, Principles, etc. And under those would be even more descriptions of history, artists, tools, supplies. One can be as extensive or as simple as they want. |
Vocabulary Self-Awareness Chart
This chart allows for the students to think critically about what they do and do not yet know or understand without the pressure of taking a test. This is really a form of mid-way assessment for teachers to use and figure out what terms need to be reviews either before a test or just because the terms are important to know. I find it difficult to know purely based on discussion which students get it and which do not. This form is adopted from the Improving Adolescent Literacy text.
This chart allows for the students to think critically about what they do and do not yet know or understand without the pressure of taking a test. This is really a form of mid-way assessment for teachers to use and figure out what terms need to be reviews either before a test or just because the terms are important to know. I find it difficult to know purely based on discussion which students get it and which do not. This form is adopted from the Improving Adolescent Literacy text.
Self-Awareness | |
File Size: | 37 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Word Sorts
Words sorts is a small group activity that allows students to think about words that they know (or hopefully know) and organize them into categories. This can look different depending on how it is employed. A "closed" Word Sort is when students are only given a list of words and must categorize the words themselves. An "open" Word Sort is when students are given the categories that the words they are given go into. You can give students the words on a printed sheet of paper, or something I would like it more hands-on and would involve the students taking cut out words and visually organizing them on the desk or on the floor in groups.
Words sorts is a small group activity that allows students to think about words that they know (or hopefully know) and organize them into categories. This can look different depending on how it is employed. A "closed" Word Sort is when students are only given a list of words and must categorize the words themselves. An "open" Word Sort is when students are given the categories that the words they are given go into. You can give students the words on a printed sheet of paper, or something I would like it more hands-on and would involve the students taking cut out words and visually organizing them on the desk or on the floor in groups.
Word Sort | |
File Size: | 50 kb |
File Type: | docx |
What Does The Word LOOK Like?
This is an activity I partook in during my time in secondary art classes. At the beginning of class when we were learning new words like the major art-terms (elements and principles) we were assigned one of the terms and had to use draw the word out. It would look like writing the word "Emphasis" out with a single point of Emphasis on the piece. It could look like writing out the word "Value" and using different values of black to creatively exemplify it. This would help engrain at least one word into the students memory as well as, once posted throughout the room would help the students understand the words without definitions, but visually! |