FREE Art Classes using Montessori Techniques
Funded by MACH (Manitou Arts Cuture and Heritage Initiative)
Join highly experienced Montessori teacher, Leigh Slimp-Virgo for these fun lessons:
Tuesday: Lesson drawing people, animals, cartoons, and one-point perspective. Students begin 3-D and bas-relief sculptures using colorful modeling clay.
Thursday: Students complete their bas-relief and sketching projects.
Who is this class for: Students ages 9-12 years old (must be supervised by an adult)
Supplies: All supplies are provided!
Teacher: Leigh Slimp-Virgo
Philosophy
I approach life with a sense of humor and teach in a way that encourages students to be joyful and playful, this helps their brains engage, make connections, and retain information. I enjoy working with children and adults. I am a dedicated and highly qualified educator who is enthusiastic about art and about student-focused teaching. I strive to provide personalized lessons which address each student’s aspirations and needs in a positive and safe learning environment. It is important to me that classes are relevant and enjoyable for students. I look for the good in all.
Integration of Subjects
I combine creative and academic subjects using project and inquiry-based learning. This develops students’ real-world skills using Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, Math (STREAM) and Culture. I teach drawing, painting, and sculpture using a variety of media. I give lessons to train the eye to see shadows, light, color, and composition. Students may handle Montessori geometric materials as an aid in identifying shapes.
Experience
I have extensive experience teaching children aged three to 15 in mainstream schools, Montessori schools, museums, and a zoo. I have also had the honor of teaching adults in a variety of educational settings. I tutor students (both children and adults) in the use of Montessori materials to enrich and remediate math, reading, and writing skills.
Relevant Achievements
As a member of an Upper Elementary team of teachers I wrote curriculum and developed thematic projects for which we received two Colorado Governor’s Distinguished Improvement awards, one for science, and one for math, reading and writing. I helped found three Montessori schools and I started a Robotics Club (STEM) for elementary students.
Education
I have Colorado Professional Teaching Credentials in Elementary Education and Secondary Science Education. I am qualified in Linguistically Diverse Education (K-12). I am certified as a Montessori teacher for grades 1 through 9.
While completing a bachelor’s degree in Biology at UC Davis I was fortunate to attend fine art classes taught by Robert Arneson, Manuel Neri, Wayne Thiebaud, Harvey Himelfarb, and Manual Izquierdo Torres.