Looking Ahead

Hooo Boy, I made it through another year.  This year had challenges because I came back into the school year balancing being a mommy with being a workaholic art teacher.  But, it was a good year, filled with fun projects.  As I look ahead to next year ( I did say workaholic, right?) there are new things  I'd like to try, and some things I already do, that need a little re-vamping.
1-There's a lot of conversation out there about "Choice Based Art Education".  Now, I haven't done all the research, and I firmly believe that my role as an elementary teacher is to teach a skill set, which includes a variety of supplies.  And, I don't think you can introduce choice without a strong skill set.  And, I do try to offer some choices within projects.  Not much cookie cutter art going on here.   However, my principal is supporting my goal to continue to add choice to my lessons.  My classroom is going to have a "demo" table next year, where 4-5 kids can sit and work with me as needed. 
2- Grouping.  Most of us have the tables broken up into groups of 6-8 kiddos.  I noticed this year, with an especially large 2nd grade, that while some kids loved being elbow to elbow with their besties, others needed space. ( I had one artist who would always come up and sit on the floor- he needed the space).  So, instead of making my tables into equal groupings, I'm going to explore some combinations in which some groups are not made up of as many tables.  so, one group may have 6, and another may be a single 2 seater table.  Still gotta look at lay out on that one.  
3- I have always had a "meeting spot", where my K and 1 meet up with me, and we intro before we hit the tables.  When I move to the new art room, I added bookshelves, and tried for a reading corner.  And, it's ok.  But, here's the dream- and if you can help, or you know someone who can, I'd love it. I put in my first ever Donor's Choose request.  My ultimate dream would be to have a large carpet, with a couple of bean bags and pillows, and a sturdy shelf to organize the books.  I envision a space where we can all meet, but more importantly, where students can generate ideas, read for enjoyment at the end of a project, meet with a small group, etc.  And, I think it's important to have it be a warm and inviting comfy place to sprawl.  Any donations made in the next 7 days, and using the code 100WOMEN at checkout will get their donation matched up to $100.  How cool is that! 

Anyway, those are my thoughts for next year.  If you are anything like me, you've got some of your own reflections- and I'd love to hear them. Until then, HAPPY SUMMER!

Post It Writing Activity



The colors have no meaning- just gave a different color to each table section.

 It's quick, painless, and there is no wrong answer.  I put up 3 landscapes for the 4th graders to look at.  They differed in land form, time of day, and overall style.  We discussed how a color scheme can affect the feel of a work of art.  I gave each student 3 post it notes, and had them write one word for each picture.  We then stuck them up over the pictures.  The students were interested in who else wrote the same word as they did ( I banned "good", "pretty" and "nice"), as well as the variety of descriptive words for each painting.  It very quickly gave me a chance to fit a little writing in, and let everyone be involved in the critique. 

One Week In...

Daily Message: My answer to the "morning meeting" that is being encouraged in our district.

In order to integrate more reading/writing, I decided to get a subscription to Scholastic Art.

A lot of the magazine is a bit advanced for my babies, but who can argue with the elements of art pointed out in a work of art for study and discussion?  Look out 4th graders!

It's not too messed up, but my magnetic word wall has taken a few hits from the line standers this week.

One week into school (we went "balanced calendar" this year) and I already have a more "lived in" look to the art room.  Of course, we teachers spend all sorts of time before school starts making sure that everything is in order, looks wonderful, and is hopefully organized.  Funny, it takes the kids one rotation to bring me back to reality.   Honestly though, I can't complain.  I think the kids are loving the new art room as much as I am, and are working a little harder to police themselves at clean up time. 

Daily Message

i don't know what the trends are at your schools, but here in Nashville, the new trend for classroom teachers appears to be the "Morning Meeting".  This is a daily routine where the students may respond to a message on the board, play a game, or do some other activity that gets all involved, and encourages students to engage for the activities of the day.  I see 100+ kids a day, and cannot possibly have a morning meeting.  But, as I sat in on the "in-service" that it seems we specialists always do, even if it is not geared towards us, I began to think of the possibilities that surrounded a "daily message" where anyone who wanted to respond or participate could.  I have started leaving messages, like the one pictured, where I may clue students in to a new artist, a new activity, or a school event.  I keep it general enough that any student could respond, because I cannot fathom putting up a new message for each group.  Often, I ask for responses in the form of tally marks, or voting, and I am experimenting with ways that I may bring in reasoning skills, math, or language skills.  The more I think about it- the more ideas I get, and the kids are loving it.  It actually helps me that they want to do this first thing, as I am usually putting something away, or getting something out.  It's a nice way for everyone to transition in to the art room.