Wow!  What an incredible experience to present at the National Art Education Association National convention in NYC!

My presentation titled Cross-curricular Art Projects for 1st-5th grade went very well.  I was super hyped to have a room totally packed and even have people sitting on the floor and standing in the back.  I was nervous to begin but was very comfortable after taking a picture of my audience and everyone had a laugh.  8am baby!

Cross-curricular learning is very important to me.  This is something that I was interested in even while I was still in college and student teaching.  Now that I've been teaching for three+ years, I balance my art curriculum so that some of what students are creating is art-based projects just for the sake of art, and the other half is connected to the curriculum they are doing in their other classes.   I'm super grateful to work at a school now that embraces cross-curricular learning.  

If you'd like to see my slideshow presentation, you're welcome to email me at amonaghan@carolinaday.org and I can send it to you.

You can access the lesson plans from the presentation by clicking here.

My first observation this year was watching Mike Congelton's (Congo) 6th grade class.  They are beginning their clay unit and it was awesome to see how another art teacher interacts with his students and it was fun seeing my students from last year as middle school artists.

Today Congo did a quick overview of the project for the day which was building a slab/coil cup that must be at least 3 coils tall.  He went over all of the instructions and then for the next 20 minutes, students built their own and Congo simply watched them and provided no feedback of critique.  He wanted to see how well the students could pay attention to detail and follow instruction.  I have definitely never taught like that and I think it is a really cool idea for the older grades.  Maybe I will try something similar with 4th and 5th graders one day.  One noticeable difference though is that his class only had 7 students, whereas my classes have 12-18.

Towards the end of class, students finished their project for the day and Congo gave an overview of how everyone did.  The students then had 10 minutes to get the entire space clean.  Each students had a specific task to do.

I love the way that Congo interacts with his students. He is able to talk with them as if they are adults (way more than I am able to with my students in the lower school anyway) and they usually seem to react appropriately.  They seem to really respect him and his classroom space.  It is a very inspiring area with tons of artwork spread about the class.  I also appreciate how as students get older, they become more independent and have more opportunities in the art room to explore their own ideas.  

1.  Finish my Rubicon Atlas mapping and have a clear understanding of the goals of my curriculum and how the curriculum will unfold each year.
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I understand that with art, the curriculum will always be in flux and we will do different art projects each year but it is important to have consistent goals for students understanding of important art topics/techniques.  I can use this mapping to make sure that I continue to accomplish these goals.  In doing so, students will be able to grow in understanding each year and will be ready for Middle School art once they leave the Lower School.

2. To teach many more 3-D art projects to students grades 1-5.  

​​Last year I took a ceramics workshop and this year I will be taking a paper mâché workshop.  I will be sure to teach all students grades 1-5 at least 2 clay projects this year and in the following years and I will also teach sculpture, paper mâché, etc.  Because I, myself am not much of a 3-D artist, this means that I will be doing research on how to teach 3-D work and taking workshops and watching videos online.

3. Observe other teachers at CDS and in the local community.  

​I have found in the past that I learn a lot by watching other teachers about curriculum, behavior management and creating relationships with students.  This school year I will observe at least two other teachers in the community and reflect on this experience.  I think it would be most helpful for me to observe other elementary art teachers in the area and will reach out soon to set that up.

4.  Spend more time creating my own artwork.

​Since I have began teaching, I have spent very little time on my own artwork.  In my new apartment, I have my own art studio space with plenty of painting stuff as well as a sewing center.  I will be spending time every week creating my own artwork.  This is important for me to continue growing as a personal artist to be a great art teacher for my students.

5. Video record myself teaching.

This will be a great way to reflect on my teaching practices and how I interact with my students.  Since taking the Responsive Classroom training this past summer, I have been very invested in how I interact with students and how that effects their emotions, confidence and risk-taking.  By watching a video (or multiple), I hope to grow as a teacher.  I will do this sometime before our holiday break.

I am super proud to be a part of the Carolina Day School community.  It is a beautiful school with passionate teachers and a team that works to fulfill student-based goals.  

Carolina Day School website

​Our Core Beliefs are something I definitely can get behind:

Engage IntellectuallyGreat schools create opportunities for students to acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and habits necessary to successfully design their own futures. We spark curiosity and ignite intellectual pursuit by asking students to question, explore in depth, consider multiple perspectives, and regularly reflect and evaluate their learning.


Cultivate  Strong CharacterHonor, integrity, and empathy, guided by respect and a deep understanding for the people and the world around us, are key to nurturing responsible students of sound character. We share a commitment to integrity, respect, good citizenship and honorable behavior through active dialogue and service to others.


Build an Exceptional Team for an Exceptional ProgramExcellent schools attract outstanding faculty members who are highly knowledgeable and passionate about their disciplines and who derive energy and excitement from engaging with students and collaborating with colleagues. We incorporate advancements in technology, authentic experience, and research-based practices to promote meaningful and relevant learning that inspires.  


Foster RelationshipsStudents lives are enriched by being part of a close-­knit community where meaningful relationships with adults create a safe, caring environment to play, work, and learn. Pre-K/12, our unparalleled faculty/student relationships are the heart of our school; we know, love and care deeply about our students and are determined to help them find joy and success on their CDS journey and beyond.


Tailor Learning  to Maximize PotentialEach student is a unique learner with strengths, weaknesses, and unlimited potential for growth. Our programs in each division are carefully designed based on a keen understanding of students’ cognitive, social, and emotional development, and we design curriculum, develop programs, and create flexible classroom environments that provide each student with a greater opportunity to find success.


Embrace Challenge and PersevereCourageous learners embrace obstacles and unlock challenges by designing creative approaches and solutions. Our students engage in inquiry and exploration—both independently and collaboratively—to become self­-reliant, creative, and resilient learners who view setbacks as opportunities to pursue new paths and ideas.


Reach Beyond the ClassroomCo­curricular programs reach beyond classroom walls, providing opportunities for students to initiate ideas, collaborate with others, and build leadership skills. Student clubs, community internships, service learning, and programs in the arts and athletics provide students platforms to discover interests, share talents, learn to be leaders, and turn empathy into action.


Create a Diverse CommunityDiversity adds quality to a community by cultivating a richness of ideas, a broadening of perspectives and a respect for others. We are committed to building a faculty, student body, and school culture which reflect the diversity of the greater world around us.


Celebrate History & TraditionHistory, tradition, and rites of passage instill identity, create a sense of community, and foster school spirit. We value and celebrate our school traditions, which evolve and shape our community, link the past to the present, and help us understand we belong to something larger than ourselves.