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Introducing [re]Design(ing): Art Ed

6/28/2023

Mission Statement: We envision not reinventing the wheel but [re]Design(ing) it. We exist to provide new perspectives by advocating and supporting educators. We blend relevant teaching practices to ensure a future of creative thinkers, makers, artists, and designers.

Welcome to [re]Design(ing): Art Education, where Roni and Jessi are here to give you a fresh perspective on art program design and development. Whether you are embarking on the exciting journey of designing your first art program or seeking to revitalize and redesign your existing curriculum after years of teaching, our consulting services and website offer invaluable resources and expertise to guide you toward success.

With a passion for art education and a wealth of experience in the field, Jessi and Roni understand the ever-evolving landscape of artistic instruction. We strive to develop art instruction that utilizes relevant instructional practices like choice-based, play-based, STEAM, arts integration, social-emotional learning (SEL), design thinking, project-based learning, and more. Our collaborative approach aims to empower educators like you to inspire the next generation of artists, designers, and creative thinkers.

We follow four values. These values are ingrained in our teaching and will reignite your school communities!

Creativity-The phenomenon of creating something that never was by using imagination and original ideas. That’s creativity to build upon what was, is, and move forward bravely. At [re]Design(ing) Art Education, we embrace blending pedagogies to sustain art education and enhance creativity. We’ll show you how.
Kindness-Empathy, generosity, and friendliness are all actions in our creative spaces and classrooms. We take diversity, equity, and inclusion seriously by creating safe havens, and utilizing blended pedagogies encouraging our students to work together and move the needle forward for a better tomorrow.
Innovation-A light bulb flashes! Basic, Breakthrough, Disruptive or Radical innovation depends on your frame of mind, colleagues, students, and learning environment. We make meaning by giving you the language and tools to help your creative program be understood by your community. We thrive on developing, blending, and designing innovative instruction tailored to your communities values and goals.
Transformation-Need new experiences for your teachers and art educators to help their students engage? Keep learning fresh, sticky, and innovative! The four phases of transformation are (a) having experiences; (b) making assumptions; (c) challenging perspectives; and (d) experiencing transformative learning. We can help you build onto your curriculum, transforming your teaching with our integrated pedagogy approach.

Our consulting services and professional development opportunities are designed to meet the unique needs and goals of your art teaching programs. Whether you require assistance in designing a comprehensive curriculum, integrating new technologies, implementing inclusive teaching practices, or evaluating and enhancing your current program, Jessi and Roni are here to provide personalized guidance and support.
In addition to our consulting services, our website serves as a virtual hub of inspiration and knowledge. Here, you will find designed and curated resources, professional development lesson plans, and instructional materials, to equip you with the tools to support you.

Join us at [re]Design(ing): Art Education, and embark on a transformative journey to redefine and elevate your creative program. Together, we can shape the future of art education and empower the artists and designers of tomorrow.

Let's get designing!
Roni and Jessi

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You need a TASK Party! Jessi Ruby

6/5/2023

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In the world of education, finding unique and effective ways to engage students can be a challenge. Traditional teaching methods often need more room for creativity and self-expression. However, TASK parties, a concept introduced by artist Oliver Herring, offer a refreshing and dynamic approach to classroom engagement. In this blog post, we will explore what TASK parties are and discuss why implementing them in the creative space can benefit students and educators.
*If you are new to TASK parties, watch the YouTube video below. I also share this video with students after the first time they complete a TASK party.

What is a TASK party? A TASK party is a collaborative and participatory art event where individuals come together to complete a series of creative tasks. Participants are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, engage in spontaneous play, and explore their own unique creative potential. It is an inclusive and interactive experience that fosters connection, collaboration, and self-expression.
Why begin with a TASK party? Starting the classroom experience with a TASK party sets the tone for a fun and engaging learning environment right from the beginning. It helps break the ice and creates a sense of community among students. By actively participating in creative tasks, students become more comfortable expressing themselves, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom culture.

Encourages Play: TASK parties push students out of their comfort zones by encouraging them to engage in activities that they may not typically pursue. This fosters a growth mindset and nurtures their confidence in taking risks. Moreover, the playful nature of TASK parties creates a safe and enjoyable space for students to explore their imagination, experiment with new ideas, and develop their creative problem-solving skills.

Introductions: TASK parties provide an ideal opportunity for students to introduce themselves and get to know their peers. Through various tasks, students learn about each other's skills, interests, and character. This process fosters a sense of belonging, empathy, and understanding within the classroom community.
Risk-Taking: One of the fundamental aspects of TASK parties is the absence of right or wrong answers. Students are encouraged to take risks, think outside the box, and explore multiple solutions to a given task. This approach promotes critical thinking, adaptability, and the development of individual perspectives.
Observation: TASK Parties are a wonderful opportunity to collect data. Teachers can scan the room to observe students' interaction and skill levels. TASK parties are unique in the sense that teachers can assess student traits like perseverance, collaboration, and risk-taking through observation. The teacher may also take notes on how students use materials and techniques.

Student participating in a TASK party in a STEM classroom.

Student participating in a TASK party in a TAB classroom.

How to get started?
To introduce TASK parties into the classroom, it is essential to set up a structured framework. This includes writing appropriate TASK prompts that align with the students' developmental level, launching the activity with clear expectations, and above all, ensuring that it is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. There is often a common misconception about wasted materials and mess. Remember that the teacher can control what materials are being used. The best materials are newsprint and recycled paper, cardboard, tape, glue, crayons, pencil, sharpie, scissors, and blocks. It can be helpful to add in a TASK to clean up the scissors or stack all the papers to help keep the room from getting too messy!

Student participating in a TASK party in a makerspace classroom.

Utilizing TASK Parties with a Blended Approach
Incorporating TASK parties into the curriculum provides an innovative and blended approach to learning. By integrating art and creativity, these parties offer a refreshing alternative to traditional teaching methods, fostering student engagement and enthusiasm. Below are different ideas on how to incorporate a TASK party:

First Day Activity: TASK parties can be particularly beneficial during the first few days of school. They help establish a positive classroom culture, enable students to connect with their peers, and set the stage for a year of active learning and collaboration.

Tic-Tac-Toe: Teachers can use the concept of a Tic-Tac-Toe board, where students can choose from a variety of TASK prompts. This approach allows for flexibility and personalization, ensuring that students have the freedom to select tasks that align with their interests and abilities. The teacher also has the capability to tailor the Tic-Tac-Toe to get any tedious classroom management items completed like having students join a virtual classroom or finding the location of items within the classroom. Students will be having fun while completing necessary classroom duties!

STEAM Integration: TASK parties lend themselves well to the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects. By combining creativity with problem-solving skills, students can approach tasks from a multidisciplinary perspective, enhancing their understanding of various subjects. Teachers can develop and write TASK that are specific to their content and students learning.
Primary Children:
TASK parties can also be tailored for young children. Instead of relying on lengthy, intricate written tasks, we can employ the use of pictures depicting various objects for the students to draw. By allowing the students to select an object from the TASK bucket, we grant them the freedom to interpret it in their own unique way. To introduce this concept to my younger students, I have incorporated the book "Idea Jar" by Adam Lehrhaupt, replacing the traditional TASK party with an exciting "idea jar" activity.

Download a FREE Google Slides copy of Primary TASK cards.

Make a tradition: Implementing TASK parties on a regular basis can transform them into a cherished classroom tradition. Students will come to anticipate these events, fostering a sense of excitement and engagement throughout the academic year.
*I have kept the same TASK bucket for five years. I have students add new TASK to the bucket and add their names. I tell them they will get to use the same TASK for years to come. I always have a TASK that is "Make a sign that says TASK" and take a picture of that student with the sign to commemorate the year.
Community Event:TASK parties can extend beyond the classroom, becoming community events where students, parents, and educators come together. These events provide an opportunity to celebrate student creativity, strengthen community bonds, and showcase the value of arts in education.
*I recommend doing TASK parties with your classes before hosting a community event. Train students to teach others how to participate much like Oliver did in his video.

Student showing of designed cardboard shoes in a choice-based art classroom.

Integrating TASK parties into the classroom offers a transformative and engaging approach to education. By prioritizing creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, these parties not only foster a positive classroom culture but also develop essential skills for students' future success. So, why not embark on this innovative journey and make learning a joyful and enriching experience for all? Let the fun begin!

Get your free Primary TASK cards!

This document is a Google Slides Copy. Click "Make a Copy" when prompted to add a copy to your Google Drive. You can [re]design it to fit your needs.

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Introducing [re]Design(ing): Art Ed

You need a TASK Party! Jessi Ruby

Download a FREE Google Slides copy of Primary TASK cards.

Get your free Primary TASK cards!

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