While visiting

the Caribbean, students learned about the yearly festival that celebrates

the history of the Caribbean people. Dominant items found at the festival

are Pitchy Patchy puppets and maracas. Using brown lunch bags, pieces

of material and papiermache, students constructed replicas of the puppets

and maracas that are now on display throughout the school.

On a visit

to Botswana, Africa, fifth-grade students learned about the difficult

art of weaving and coiling. Botswana is famous for its coiled coasters,

so while studying the history of coiling students tried their hand at

the craft.

"This

is very difficult to do," says Wicker. "I can't believe how

well they caught on. Some students finished so quickly that they were

able to create some coiled bowls to go with the coasters."

Although many

people may not realize it, art incorporates all academic disciplines.

Wicker says this is why she puts together the art gallery every year.

Students not only learn about different art mediums and forms, but they

are also exposed to social studies, writing, mathematics and science.

Accompanying

every piece of artwork are narratives that students have written about

different facts surrounding a particular country and the reason behind

its people and culture. While constructing artwork, students draw from

their math skills to measure lengths and science skills to mix colors.

"I feel

it's important to do this display each year not to only to showcase every

child's artwork, but also to provide a teaching tool for parents, teachers

and visitors who enter the school," Wicker explains. "Art is

an important part of learning and it helps students further develop their

skills in other disciplines."

Wicker says

art helps develop skills such as higher order thinking, creativity and

problem solving. It also incorporates important life skills such as sharing,

cooperation, organization and teamwork.

"I was

not exposed to art academically until I started college. If I had started

learning art at an earlier age, I believe I would be at a higher level

now and more developed as well as a better artist."

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