Getting a glimpse!

While I was preparing for our open house on Wednesday, I thought I'd take some pictures in case you don't have a chance to stop by!
What time does my child have specials?


What kind of personal responsibility do we work on in the art room?


What are the expectations? During the first few days of school, the students and I will work on our Peace Promises and come to an agreement about how we want to be treated in the classroom. This is a great community builder. It also helps give the students a voice in the classroom environment.



Open house info

About Mrs. Nienhouse:  I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2007. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters (twins- Scarlett and Violette) that will be three years old this November! I love to read and draw. My favorite place in the world is Scotland and the craziest thing I have ever done was going skydiving! I can’t wait to start creating some fun artwork this year with all of you!

Classroom Expectations:
In art we have three main expectations for all students:
  • Be safe.
  • Be responsible.
  • Be respectful.

THE ART CURRICULUM:

We will be starting the year off with a review of the art elements of line, shape, color, form, texture, value, and space. Throughout the year, many projects will be focused on giving children experiences with each of the above art elements. Upper grade levels also focus on art principles such as pattern, movement, balance, emphasis, unity, and movement. 

Each year, the art teachers in Hudsonville focus on a new culture. This year’s focus will be Asia. Each grade focuses on a different aspect of the culture’s art so that all students can be exposed to a variety of styles and concepts from that culture. 

Art history is also a large component of our curriculum. Each grade level focuses on learning about the lives and work of historical as well as some contemporary artists. This year, each grade will be learning about the following artists: 

Kindergarten: Piet Mondrian, Eric Carle, Joan Miro, Paul Klee, Jim Dine
1st Grade: Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, James Rizzi
2nd Grade: Henri Matisse, Faith Ringgold, Joan Miro, Henri Rousseau, Vincent Van Gogh, 
3rd Grade: Frida Kahlo, Leonardo DaVinci, Jackson Pollock, Jim Dine, Andy Warhol, George Rodrigue
4th Grade: Wayne Thiebaud, Heather Galler, Wassilly Kandinsky, Edgar Degas, Alexander Calder, Mary Cassatt
5th Grade: Chihuly, Salvador Dali, Georga O’Keeffe, Friedrich Hundertwasser

Finally we try to have each grade level have experience a variety of materials and genres. Some genre choices include: portraits, landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, cartoons, realism, abstraction, and figure drawing. 

Please check out our website for updates on what’s happening in the art room. There are some days when learning might not involve an actual "product that goes home", instead there is an experience that helps strengthen or prepares the students. Blogs are a great way to capture these moments so please check often!

Thank you!
Mrs. Nienhouse



Getting ready for a new year!

As I was preparing for the new school year I found a picture on the good ol' internet that made me chuckle. Thank you www.fatcatart.com for making my day! All the things I love... Sushi, kitties, France (baguettes and berets hehe) and painting. Little known fact about me is that I was born in France and I have duel citizenship!