Liverpool CSD & Ginger Dunlap-Dietz
“Mosaic & Character Education”
click here to link to the Nate Perry Elementary website for photos of the project

Partners: Ginger Dunlap-Dietz, ceramic artist, Nate Perry Elementary 5th grade faculty and Art Teacher, Nina Spano 

Students:  3 fifth grade classes 

BIG IDEA:    To build character in the student based on respect for the student’s own work, the work of others and the school community.  The creation of this work of art encouraged students to take responsibility in making their community a better place. 

Action: Students created individual ceramic tile that explored themes studied in character education, including respect and responsibility.  Students assisted the artist in creating a group mosaic made of these various tiles.  Students took part in decision-making and engaged in discussion regarding the process an artist goes through to get artwork exhibited or displayed for sale. 

Planning: Two hours of planning occurred between three fifth grade teachers, art teacher and the artist.  Four hours of training followed preparing teachers for the creation and installation process. 

Implementation:  The artist met with each of the classes four times. The artists demonstrated how to create tuiles depicting themes gound in character education. The students created a plan for their tiles.  The artist provided individualized instruction for tile making.  Students from other classes contributed to the mosaic through instruction and demonstration by the art teacher. The artists, students, staff and parents installed the tiles. The project included the enitre school community as some installation occurred while the students were eating lunch.

Evaluation: Evidence of development and experimentation from the initial sketching to the final  glazing stage demonstrating skill with materials. Student and parent excitement during  installation process was evident with many staying after school as well as after school let out for summer recess. The mosaic continues to be a source of learning as a visual product as it remains a permanent installation in the school.

Partners for Arts Education advocates for the role of the arts in every aspect of a child’s educational life. The partnerships we showcase recognize the artistic & educational integrity of teacher, artist, & student. We believe this is possible & necessary for all learners, & we provide the support & evidence to make it happen!