Teacher Profile: Erika Stark
Hi Erika, can you tell me a little about yourself and what you do?
I am a middle school art teacher. I have taught the last 18 years (10 of which were high school). I currently teach 7th and 8th grade Art I, Art II, and Advanced Art, at Germantown Middle School in Madison, MS.
How did you hear about Roarockit? What inspired you to bring skateboard building into the classroom?
I have been using Roarockit since my second year teaching. I came across the idea of skateboard building at a middle school conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. There wasn’t much information about it, but the lady teaching the class connected me with Roarockit and the company was absolutely amazing. They were so supportive in teaching me the options and what I needed to order to get the process started. They had guided instructions, lesson plans, and video tutorials that were a godsend when I was first figuring out how the process worked.
How do you feel this program benefits the classroom? How do you work this into your curriculum?
My students love the process of skateboard building. It teaches art skills such as woodworking, drawing/design, painting/woodburning, craftsmanship, and gives students an insight into art jobs that they might not normally think of. More importantly, I think it teaches students how to problem-solve, work together to help each other, and plan and organize their thoughts and processes. It helps them become people who know that when they are given a challenge of something that seems impossible, if they break it down and figure it out piece by piece they can conquer anything in front of them.
What were the students’ reactions to getting to build skateboards in the classroom? Do you have any special stories to share of the effects it had on your students?
The students are always shocked that they have a real skateboard when they are done. I have had several students skateboard pieces win/place at art competitions. This is always such a boost for students, that not only I think their work is amazing, but others do as well.
How were you able to get skateboard building started in your class, did you have to jump through any administrative hoops to get there?
I have had the amazing opportunity to work with some great administrators that were supportive of my program and what I was trying to do with our students. Financially, my art students pay art fees, and I use that money to purchase the materials we need to build the skateboards. It is an expensive project, so we don’t typically put on the trucks and wheels. We just build the deck, but students don’t mind that we don’t do the wheels.
How did it turn out? Are the students riding their boards afterwards, or do they use them more as an art project?
Due to the financial cost of putting on wheels we typically just build the board, but I have had several students who purchased the wheels, trucks, and grip tape, and put them on their boards themselves. It is always an option I share with my students if they want to go beyond the classroom.
Do you have a history of skateboarding?
I personally have never skateboarded and would probably fall flat on my face if I tried, but I try to introduce my students to a wide range of art making concepts, history, and skills, so skateboard building has been a huge hit in the classroom that I will continue to incorporate each year. It is a wonderful way for me to connect with my students.
Thanks for your time Erika!
Taryn O’Grady,
Roarockit Skateboard Company