Denise Draws at Corn Dog Art

How Art Helps to Teach English to ESL Students

Denise M. Cassano — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:47:37 +0000

Children inherently make connections between words and actions. When art is used as a writing prompt, both sides of the brain are engaged: the left side which commands verbal, language and logical processes as well as the right side, which guides artistic expression and creativity. ELS students will be more likely to verbally express themselves when they are in an environment with familiar visuals- they are all looking and comprehending the same image so at that moment there is no disparity. They are not thinking, “I don’t know what is going on and everyone else does!” It levels the playing field and caters to the visual learner. When students are engaged in looking at art, or better yet, using art materials, they will be more likely to talk about those materials. For example, I have painted with ESL students where they had to ask other students for particular materials like paint, brushes, colors, water cups, newspaper, etc. When they use the materials as they pronounce them, the connection is deeper and they will be much more likely to remember, repeat and use them in the future.

Images also encourage conversations about the subject matter. Pointing at scenes and pronouncing words help students have a visual connection to that vocabulary. Not to mention, if they are looking at or making art in a relaxed environment, they are enjoying themselves, which makes them more receptive to internalizing information.

Analyzing Corn Dog Art Illustrations with Students

Denise M. Cassano — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:36:07 +0000

When analyzing art, students must make inferences and decisions based on what they see and feel. One image may be interpreted in a myriad of ways, and that is a wonderful thing. When looking at a work of art with students, you may prompt a conversation by asking specific questions and/or playing devil’s advocate. For example, one of my images, Looking Though the Keyhole, you may ask what the girl is feeling as she peers into the room. Follow up responses with clarifying questions are crucial: “Is she afraid, or determined? How do you know? What does she see on the other side of the door? What about the shadow? Who or what is it? Can you defend your answer?” Your objective should be to facilitate a lively debate among students. The concept that students have to ‘defend their answer’ relates to supporting details in their writing. If they are going to make statements, they have to back them up with specifics, and hopefully those specifics are based in logic and reason.

Any Minute Now

Denise M. Cassano — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:46:10 +0000

Take a good look at the picture and write your own story.

You Don’t Scare Me, Visual Writing Prompt

Denise M. Cassano — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:42:10 +0000

Take a good look at the image below and wrote your story. Remember to look carefully at the details!

: You Don’t Scare Me, ©2008 Denise M. Cassano

Through the Keyhole Visual Writing Prompt

Denise M. Cassano — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:31:29 +0000

Look carefully at the image below and write your story. Remember to look at the details.

Waiting, Visual Writing Prompt

Denise M. Cassano — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:52:38 +0000

Take a good look at the image, and write your own story. Focus on the details to support your interpretation.

: Waiting, ©2007 Denise M. Cassano

Talking with Children About Art

Denise M. Cassano — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:51:33 +0000

Some people are intimidated about discussing art with children. I think it’s because they feel that they need to have all of the answers before starting the conversation. Whether it is at a museum, gallery, or even looking at art on a friend’s living room wall, there is no reason to be afraid. Think about these tips when experiencing art with children:

1. BE FEARLESS: Think about what draws you to a piece of art – it’s probably the way you reacted to it. It’s ok to not be familiar with the artist or the medium, just think about how you feel when you look at it. That is what we need to convey to children – get them to think about their reaction to it and understand why they are reacting that way. That is a wonderful starting point for a conversation on a piece.

2. BE HONEST: Saying you “like”something is not enough. When you speak to your child, tell her/him why you like or dislike a piece. Think about the lighting, mood, colors, subject matter, size, even the execution – anything that will allow you to express your reaction to the piece. Be specific, and honest. Then, ask your child what he/she thinks about those same subjects.

3. LISTEN!: I’m always amazed at how children see things in a piece of art that I never saw – even images that I have looked at a hundred times. When they address these elements of the image, ask them what they think it means. When they express their ideas, show an interest and stay positive. Don’t dismiss what they say as being ‘wrong’ or unrealistic. Remember, we all react to art differently and anything they say is valid. Their interpretation is just as valid as an art critic’s. Children have a unique way of looking at the world and that certainly applies when looking at art.

4. LET YOUR CHILD CHOOSE: If you are in a gallery or museum – let your child decide what he/she wants to examine and discuss. Of course, if there are masterpieces you don’t want your child to miss, look at those as well. Just give your child some freedom to investigate what he/she likes. The trip to the museum will be much more memorable, she’ll even talk about it long after she’s home.

5. RESIST THE URGE: Save the reading of the wall label for last. It may be fun to guess the name of a piece or the materials used to make it. Often, if you know these things ahead of time, you contaminate your own reaction to the art. Don’t do that! Let yourself look, absorb, and react. Then discuss how you feel about it (even if you dislike the work so much you wouldn’t line your birdcage with it!)

6. DON’T BE SUPERMAN: Don’t feel like you have to see everything. I often go to the Metropolitan Museum, and let me tell you, it would take at least a week to see everything. So what I do is look at the map, which shows all of the galleries plus the special exhibitions. Then I decide what I am interested in seeing. (This method also gives you a good reason to return at a later date.) So, in a large museum, decide beforehand what you and your child would like to see.

7. BRING HOME A MEMORY: On your way out, get some postcards of he images that you and your child liked the most. They’ll make great mementos, a nice addition to a scrap-book, or even (surprise) a discussion piece!

Inspirational James Gurney- Dinotopia

Denise M. Cassano — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:10:59 +0000

There’s nothing better than a good picture book. Dinotopia, by James Gurney, is described on his site by “the wondrous lost island of Dinotopia, an enthralling world of art, science, exploration, and invention in which humans and dinosaurs live peacefully together.” Take one look at the illustrations and it isn’t hard to imagine being there, at that time. What a wonderful way for children to learn about history, geography and biology…as long as they realize that humans and dinosaurs were never on the planet at the same time.

The site has many resources for teachers- and parents. Very Cool!

http://www.dinotopia.com/index.html

Scott Wadell’s Portraiture

Denise M. Cassano — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:43:46 +0000

Color in portraiture is elusive. There are so many factors when creating skintone. However, if you are in the NYC area and want a true classical course on portraiture you may want to check out Scott Wadell at the Grand Central Academy of Art. His work is hyper realistic and virtually glows. Work like this is magic. He has a true understanding of light and color. I’ll link to his work.

http://www.scottwaddellfinearts.com/Fineart.htm

Classical Murals

Denise M. Cassano — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:13:50 +0000

I recently took a Cast Drawing class at the Grand Central Academy of Art in NY and had an amazing experience. At this class I came across the following company that specializes in classical murals, finishes for walls and furniture as well as wallpaper patterns. You’ll notice most of the captions say ‘private residence’- oh my. I can’t imagine what the rest of the home looks like! Their work is beautiful, and don’t we need a little more beauty in the world? I’m linking to them here.

http://boydreath.com/mural_easel/index.html