Bulletin boards throughout the school feature art reproductions along with the work of students. Students use the reproductions and videodiscs to learn about landscapes, still lifes, portraits, sculpture, and abstract art. By comparing and contrasting the images, students analyze differences and similarities of style. Third graders learn about art museums and take an imaginary trip to the National Gallery's American collections via videodisc. Students are asked to speculate on why they would like to visit an art museum.
Drawings augment their writing.
Some students choose to write about what it would be like to be an artist and have their works shown in a museum. Field trips include a visit to a nearby town to see art exhibitions. This museum experience is often the only one students have. The works of George Catlin provide students with additional views of American Indian rituals, living patterns, and dress. As leader of an active learning community, Ms. Floyd takes every available opportunity to inform the wider community about the value of the arts in general education.