Hello Everyone,
My name is Ms. Bender. I have been a Chicago Public School teacher for the last seventeen years. Before then, I was a stay at home mom for ten years,raising four children. Last year I was blessed with a granddaughter (who is now 15 months old) and she has a fur sister named Trixie. This is my 10th year teaching at Locke Elementary School. I am excited to teach visual art again to kindergarten through 5th grade. This year I have designed my units based on SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING. My goal this school year is to teach visual art by building self esteem, spreading kindness, displaying empathy, enforcing tolerance, and most importantly, celebrating LOVE! The end result will consequently be beautiful artwork!
Most of our assignments will consist of using basic art materials such as paper, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, and scissors. Those students who choose to work with markers, oil pastels, paints, colored pencils and chalk may do so, however, it is NOT REQUIRED.
I will encourage students to think creatively while learning remotely. I hope that all students will soon realize that, YOU CAN MAKE ART OUT OF ANYTHING!
All students will have choice and flexibility in selecting materials they enjoy working with (and that is readily available for them).
I hope that students will utilize their surroundings and environment as a source of materials which will enable everyone to engage in art activities.
Works created at home should be photographed, recorded or otherwise documented as best as possible for exhibition, assessment and feedback.
In closing, I hope remote learning will go well for all of us. I am not trying to add more stress on parents as well as my students during these very difficult times. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Stay safe everyone!
Please email me if you have any questions or concerns!!
DABender@cps.edu
