Adaptive Art

Accommodations benefit all learners and it is your job as a teacher to make all learners that enter your classroom, no matter their level or ability, to feel comfortable, confident, and engaged.
 
Art is important for all learners because it provides another avenue for communication.  The openness of art and how there are many solutions to problems naturally allows the freedom of expression or voices of multiple learners.  Art provides opportunities to problem solve, to observe the world around you, and to strengthen aesthetic awareness with critical thinking skills.
 
Make sure the student can access the art materials comfortably, think about counter/desk height, stools with adjustable seats, and overhead lighting that can cause a glare.
 
Don’t be afraid to change project requirements
Small changes can make all learners successful, such as, 2 prints instead of 6 for a child struggling with stamina, or larger paper for students struggling with fine motor skills.

Don’t be afraid to change the media
Foam blocks are easier to carve than linoleum during a printmaking unit, and Model Magic is a great air dry clay alternative to traditional clay that still keeps the spirit of the project but make it user friendly.

Make it applicable and relevant
All artist look for meaning with their work.  For some having art class is purely processed-based: spraying watercolor, smearing paint, dragging a tool a certain way.
 
 
Accommodations that are common in the art room:

• Independent work is given to students in segments.
• Allow extra time for the student to complete their work.
• Information is presented visually such as on an overhead, posters, etc.
• Before drawing or writing, have the student do a few simple exercises such as pushing hands together, and squeezing and relaxing fists
• Allow the student to stand at their desk and/or table
• Small group and cooperative learning
• Allow "wait" time for thinking before they answer a question.
• Use open-ended questions
• Students read or complete sections of an assignment and then share with a small group.