Working with small groups

My most recent experience with working with small groups has been in my 9th Grade Art Foundations class. We've been working on large paintings modeled after Roy Lichtenstien who was famous for his dot painted comic frames. I have two students that are very much engaged in the class and it has been so fun to work with them on this project. We've been able to brainstorm different ideas on how to solve problems within the painting and because I've taken the time each class period to work with them, I feel as though the value my opinion and will seek my advice on certain issues that they are having in their artwork.

It's different than having a student who is solely reliant on you for every detail of every project. I find that really exhausting and frustrating. But with these particular students it feels more like collaboration. We've all become invested in their painting. I find it most rewarding when I am able to spend some one on one time with each student, at some point in the class, to discuss their work. I want my students to succeed and I want them to feel as though I care about them and their work. It's easier to do when you have smaller class sizes. I find this a lot more challenging in my 8th grade class where I have a lot more students, but I realize that when I get the time to work with them individually, that is when I get them invested in the class.

Tying this in with the second module, I can see that Ruby Bridges succeeded in school that year because she had a teacher, Mrs. Henry, that was truly invested in her well being and education. Ruby thrived under that one on one interaction she got each day for a year. I applaud that teacher for her bravery as well and that she was able to see past the stereotypes that loomed in society and love that child as though she had all the potential in the world. It is our one on one interactions with our students that helps them feel validated in their efforts at school. This is a good reminder to me to be better at that.