You may not usually think of "Art Museum" and "Continuing Education Requirements" in the same sentence. But on Saturday, March 8, nearly 80 teachers from Denver and regional schools converged at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) for fun, new approaches to helping students meet statewide education goals.
Geared to Colorado State Standards, the DAM offers "Teacher Workshops" for instructors as part of its educational programming. Using the museum's
Inspiring Impressionism exhibition (on view at the DAM through May 25, 2008) as a backdrop for innovations,the March 8 workshop focused on providing instructors of visual arts, language arts, drama and French language with unique ways to use works of art to teach their students.
Taught by teachers for teachers, DAM Teacher Workshop attendees could opt to receive continuing education credits through Adams State College and all attendees receive a package of classroom-ready materials.
Participants were treated to a lecture on the
Life of Monet from DAM Master Teacher Patty Williams, and given the option tolearn in twosubject areas, including
- Language Arts: Instructor Margaret Wing arranged art-focused writing activities including poetry, descriptive writing, and "quick write" exercises found on CSAP examinations.
- Visual Arts: Instructor Sharon Rouse introduced hands-on art activities related to topics such as plein air painting, painting like an Impressionist, portraits, and color theory.
- Performing Arts: Instructor Taylor Pringle explored methods for script writing and acting using visual prompts such as Monet paintings.
- French Language: Bethany Lambrecht presented Teaching Art and History in the French classroom - the Rebels of the Art World, taught one session in French and one in English.
For more information on teacher workshops, visit us at
www.denverartmuseum.org, or call 720-913-0051.