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. 

This is it

I hope this is it- I hope I am on to posting more about artwork, and less about construction, but WOW, as hard as the year of construction has been, it is worth it now (I think).  Today, I taught my first classes in the official art room.  Not a room that was a classroom turned art room, a real, honest to goodness, designed for my needs art room.  Sinks, storage, and space.  And, today,  as I limped home on my aching feet, I had to admit that for the first time in a long time, I felt "teacherish"  I felt like I had the students' attention, that I was running my room, rather than my room running me, and that my tired was the tired of a good day of work, and not just stress.  And, if that weren't enough, they delivered my  final two pieces of furniture.  A clay cabinet, and a wooden wardrobe thing that has rubber maid type drawers, and shelves in it. Both with the ability to lock, and all giving me more storage than I've ever had.  Which means of course, that the space in the art room is actual, usable space where the kiddos can safely interact without backing a chair into something or someone.  Don't get me wrong- I loved my old room- I had made it mine, and made it work.  It was old, worn in, and there was nothing I could do to really mess up that space- and a part of me will miss that freedom.  I've spent a year on a cart, and I appreciated any  room I was given. However, this space is more in keeping with the needs of my class, and my students, and we will love it (after we break it in a little)

New Chair- New Room

Old Chair- kinda shabby, but well loved

Fresh coat of paint (just grabbed a can from the basement)

The start of our new Story Chair

So many changes are coming to Hermitage Elementary this year.  One of which, is the new Art room, which will welcome it's first classes in the New Year.  I'll have to post pics of the new room soon-cause it is awesome!!!  But, in the meantime, I was packing up, and preparing for the move.  Against all the "New", my "Purple Chair" ( story time chair) looked shabby.  Being on Christmas Break, and on strict instruction from the hubs NOT to go in tomorrow and work, but rather to stay home and enjoy a little holiday break, I brought the chair home.  Hey, at least it keeps my hand out of the cookie jar.  Here's the before, and the "after-so-far".  Am considering having the students help in finishing it up.

New Art Room is soooo close!

View from the door- Can't wait to art it up in here!

A Glitter Drawer- I am not telling the kiddos about my stash.

Electric sockets- near the counter.  So convenient!

Anyone out there got advice on these sinks?  The trap door in the floor is for the sink's filter?

If you follow my blog, or even just check in once in awhile, you probably know that my school is undergoing a massive renovation.  It has been very difficult to teach through this, but, I kept the best attitude that I possibly could, knowing that good things were coming- especially an art room.  Until now, I've taught in a converted classroom.  It was ok, but folks, I'm living the dream now!  I have a wall- a whole wall of storage, with 2 sinks.  One for dumping, and one for hand washing.  I will have a vented kiln room, with shelving, and more cabinets for my clay and sculpture supplies, along with big drawers and dividers for my prints.  New art tables, stools, and even a couple of wardrobe type things for my other things, such as manuals, cameras and the like.  They have locks, so I can secure my more valuable things.  If I waited for the official Metro movers to do the job, they'd do it over the holidays.  All well and good, but us art teachers are resourceful, and I'm starting my move now- the more things I move, the less I have to box, and I'll be in my room sooner this way.  So, little by little, I'm just carting things down, and filling my shelves up.  This will also free the room I'm in now for the next teacher anxiously waiting to move in.