In art class, we are learning that we can use our artistic gifts to help others. By creating ceramic sculptures of dogs and cats, we can help raise awareness and money for our local animal shelter.
My school is located in a small and beautiful town just south of Nashville, Tennessee.
The town of Franklin has a lot of rich history and a very tight community. Many of our teachers have children and grandchildren that attend our school. In fact, our principal attended our school. It is the kind of school community that is very loving and close.
Our school population is full of children from a wide variety of cultural and economic backgrounds. We like to celebrate our differences while keeping in mind just how much we all have in common.
My students attend my art class twice a week for a half an hour at a time. We have done service projects in the past (Empty Bowls and Art for Canned Goods drives) and it has really meant a lot to the students to know that their art can help. They are a caring group of students and I would like to nurture that trait.
My Project
My students absolutely love creating in clay. It is easily their favorite means of expression. They look forward to their clay projects each year and are so proud when their work is complete.
With this project, I will be able to nurture that love of creating in clay. Also, because this project is service oriented, students will also connect with their community. The students will be able to see first hand how their creations can help make the world a better place for our animal friends.
The students will first create either a dog or a cat out of clay. Once complete, we will sell our creations to our parents for a small donation of their choice (when we did the Empty Bowls project a couple of years ago, we were able to raise $1700 for a local shelter). This money will then be donated to our local animal shelter in Franklin, Tennessee. Many of my students have pets that came from there so they will be thrilled to help with this cause.
I want my students to understand the power of giving.
At this age, young children often think solely of themselves. I would like to broaden their mind to see that they can and should help others. I believe it is important to use your gifts to make the world a better place. Instilling this idea into my art students young minds is something I find to be extremely important.
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