Annotated Reference List for Research Paper

Annotated Reference List for: "How to be a successful T.A./ supplemental art teacher in a community art class setting..." Research Paper

Bau Graves, J. (2005). Cultural democracy: the arts, community & public purpose. University of Illinois Press.

Although I honestly haven’t gotten to read much of this book yet, it talks about the connections between art and culture (practically inseparable in my mind), as well as the dangers and possible solutions for differences, boundaries, walls, etc. that we put up and perceive and put up. I think that considering the idea of “cultural democracy” is important, just like considering every student to come with their own perceptions, life experiences, and cultures.

Christelow, E. (1999). What do illustrators do? New York, NY: Clarion Books.

This book is an incredible narrative summary of what Illustrators do. It stars two illustrators who receive the same assignment, and goes over all the tools and concepts illustrators consider while they work: size/scale, shape, composition, color, media, tools, storytelling, and more. As an illustrator who has felt far from her artwork lately, this book was even a good reminder for me, explaining what I do! And it’s narrated by the illustrator’s pets in a very child-friendly, accessible way.

Collom, J. & Noethe, S. (1994). Poetry everywhere. New York, NY: Teachers & Writers Collaborative.

The poetry activities in this book are easy to adapt to any sort of lesson, and they are easily accessible for all ages, students, and teacher types. I find that creative writing often goes hand in hand with art making (whether it’s writing about your art or using writing to inspire/supplement your art), and so this would be handy to keep in my “bad of tricks” as a teacher: something to have in case a lesson needs an added element of experience.

Edgerton, J. & O’Brien, N. (2008). The unknown rockwell. Essex Junction, VT: Battenkill River Press.

This book makes Norman Rockwell’s life as a man accessible and relatable. The way “Buddy” Edgerton (a neighbor of Rockwell’s in Vermont when Buddy was a child) talks about Rockwell reminds us that Rockwell was not just an illustrator, but also an extremely humble man with family, passions and loves, worries, deadlines, a bicycle, and some incredibly simple yet profound ideas of looking at (American) life. I like reading books like this not only for myself, but also to help remind students that artists “are people, too.”

Ernst, K. & Shagoury Hubbard, R. (1993). New entries. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

This text caused me to fall in love with having students journal. I love to keep my own personal journals, but I know that some kids/people really don’t like writing. I think that journaling (whether it’s a nature journal, sports journal, poetry journal, or something else) is a great way (another great addition to my “bag of tricks”) for students to reflect and use another art form to be creative and to problem-solve.

Hamilton, M. & Weiss, M. (2005). Children tell stories. Katonah, NY: Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.

Like the other storytelling book, this one also does a nice job talking about the (educational) benefits of storytelling (and also a valuable “trick in the bag” for teachers), but I also like that this text explores “storytelling evaluation” in a classroom. Evaluation can be tough when it comes to art lessons, and especially when it comes to community art activities. I also like that this book comes with a CD of videos, web links, and printable stories for my use.

Himmel, E. & Rockwell, T. (1988). My adventures as an illustrator. New York, NY: Norman Rockwell Museum Publication; Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Norman Rockwell recorded his thoughts about his life for his son, Tom, to compile in this book. In this autobiography, you “hear” Rockwell’s words from his own mouth, and you experience his life through his own eyes. For someone who was so successful and something of a celebrity during his illustration career (and still seen as such), it is incredible how humble and self-critical he was! It is also marvelous, as an aspiring illustrator myself, to understand how he saw. This informs how I see the world, and how I see my own work and work ethic. It also helps me when I teach students about him and his work; if they ask me questions about him, I have information not only about his artwork, but also about Rockwell as a person to back up my answers. Rockwell is also a great artist to “know” whenever you talk about illustration; not only is he a gold-standard for many artists, he is also a wonderful reminder of the “human-ness” of celebrities/artists.

New Museum. (2011). Rethinking contemporary art and multicultural education. New York, NY: Routledge.

This text really started me thinking about “What is multicultural education?” Now, from all I have learned in Lesley that builds upon what this book says, I feel like I have powerful tools and knowledge I can put into play with every student I have. Essentially at the base of my philosophy is the idea of considering each student as his or her own entity with cultures and life experiences all his or her own; this is and will continue to be integral to my every interaction with my students. In addition, the artwork and lesson plan ideas and topics toward the back of the book are invaluable tools and inspiration for lesson making.

Pink, D. (2005). A whole new mind. New York, NY: Riverhead Books, Penguin Group.

There is one chapter in particular of this book that has dramatically reinforced why I’m doing what I’m doing (children’s book illustration and art education): “High Concept, High Touch.” Basically, Pink talks about left-brain thinking not being enough for our society anymore; we simply cannot continue to get by just trying to “out-do” computers. We have to remember the things computers cannot do or be: empathy, sensitivity, humanity! In addition to creating or innovating valuable tools, products, and ideas, our society needs tools, products, and ideas that will really enhance their life experiences: not just make them faster or more efficient. That might have worked in the Industrial Age, but we have since moved into the Information Age and are NOW in the Conceptual Age. We are creators and empathizers!

The National Storytelling Association. (1994). Tales as tools. Jonesborough, TN: National Storytelling Press.

This book does a nice job of being clear and concise about the benefits of storytelling (another in my “bag of tricks”). Like creative writing in a way, storytelling can also encourage reflection and imagination/creative thought. However, it can also extend to educate about culture and life experience. In addition, for students who may struggle at creative writing (something I really love but understand isn’t “for everyone”), storytelling can help them verbalize what may not be as easily written. Not to mention everyone tells stories, every day, even if they don’t know it!

Wiesner, D. (2010). Art & max. New York, NY: Clarion Books.

This charming story has very few words, but tells volumes about an artist’s journey (and how it is not always easy). While Max continually “messes up” Art’s painting session, the two friends are dragged along on an adventure of adaptation and creative thought to remedy their problems. The illustrations are also beautiful and colorful, and the storyline encourages children to think about the parts of an illustration or art piece: color, line, shape, texture, etc. And PROCESS OVER PRODUCT is a very important concept in this story; something all artists need to remember while they make art.

Willard, N. (1999). The tale i told sasha. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company.

I absolutely love this children’s book. Aside from being one of my favorite illustrating styles (textural and shape/line oriented), the story is incredibly imaginative; I think all kids should be creative on a rainy day and take journeys to far-off places with a yellow rubber ball as their guide. This is a great story to read to kids during any art lesson: to get them motivated, inspired, and dreaming (and possibly considering texture and experimentation)!