In response to this EXCELLENT question, although VTS was designed for the 3 images to be discussed in one lesson or at least consecutively during a short period of time, we are changing this requirement for the purpose of this class. We understand that, unlike regular classroom teachers, art teachers have limited time (usually once per week) with their students and have studio experiences to incorporate into those short periods. We understand, too, that the designated images may not fit into district-mandated curricula without major contortions! Therefore, you are only
required to use one image, preferably the first, from each assigned Lesson in the manual. Of course, the more often your students "VTS," the quicker and more noticeable their gains will be. So, (Grades 3-5) to keep the VTS momentum going without deviating from teaching the GLEs or your building curriculum, the week AFTER you VTS Image 1.1 Curandera by Carmen Lomas Garza, (it's an "off" week in the syllabus in which you reflect) you
could select an image of your own that contains similar elements but relates more directly to what you are teaching and segue into that from the VTS image. For example, GLE Strand V. 1.A
Compare/contrast artworks from different historical time periods and/or cultures clearly relates to the Garza image.
GLEs state that for grade 5 however, they should
identify works of art from the United States. (the Garza image MIGHT depict a Hispanic family in the US...) By substituting an image that has similar elements but is clearly an American image by an American artist....say Norman Rockwell's "Freedom from Fear" (
http://letshavefunwithenglish.com/projects/country_film/images/rockwell_freedom_from_fear.jpg) you can continue their VTS training, make the required image relevant to your curriculum, and advance toward meeting the GLEs for that grade level. (What's more, if you are wise, your chosen image can address more than one GLE...=0)....for example, the Rockwell painting would also help you address Strand IV 2.A.
Explain how American Artists expressed the idea of patriotism. I used to call that "clustering."
I'm sure you wanted a short-and-simple answer and I apologize for the convoluted response, but it's become a way of thinking for me with VTS! You may need to go "round Robin Hood's barn," but you CAN get from point A to point B when art curricula and creative art educators are involved! Creativity R Us!!!!!
