Choice Based Art at its Finest

In Kayleigh Smith's Art room at Ferri Middle School, students engage in "Choice-Based Art." They "focus on the artistic process of planning, creating and reflecting. Students are encouraged to express themselves by envisioning their own ideas, problem-solving throughout the creating process and then reflecting on what they learned."

Kayleigh states, "My classroom is set up with several different material “centers” around the room that I slowly introduce and teach throughout the year. These centers include, painting, 3D-construction, collage, drawing, sewing, printmaking, and clay. When I introduce a center, I do not teach step-by-step projects; I teach students how to appropriately take out the materials, put them away, and several techniques in which they can try. From there, students are able to explore different materials on their own, empowering them to decide which materials will work best to bring their ideas to life."

Here is the sewing center in action!

The 3D center is one of students' favorites!!!

There are many incredible projects

the begin at the tracing desk!!

With such high student engagement, Kayleigh Smith has proven that voice and choice is the secret to success!