One of the most important things about being a teacher is keeping inspired by life and keeping your program interesting and authentic. I struggle to keep on top of new research in gifted education, regular education, and technology. I find it really daunting. However, I think it is important to share things that really inspire me.
Here is my son, after a paint splatter demonstration at 4 Cats Art Studio that a friend is opening. The space is so inspirational. We were invited to an afternoon of painting, sculpting, and my favourite - a Jackson Pollack inspired group paint!
I am inspired by art; I love teaching art, and I love learning about artists. Most importantly, I love students working with different materials and experiencing the feeling of art. I feel especially passionate about art because when I was a student I turned away from art as I couldn't make the connection with my teacher. She scared me. At a point where I needed encouragement and inspiration, I was given none. Now, I am not saying I was particularly talented in art, but what I needed was an inkling of encouragement or a hook to get me going. But instead, I had too much else on the go, and so, I didn't take art again in high school.(I wonder, how often does this happen to students....they just turn away from something that may not be easy, or doesn't grab them, or the teacher just doesn't seem to care...) And so, I turned away from art classes. In my day, there were no art classes for young kids. You had art in preschool, you did art in elementary school once per week, and then, if you liked art, perhaps you would study it in high school. However, when I see the opportunities open to kids today to pursue art, learn about artists, and have the experience in working with different mediums, I am truly inspired.Any art program for children, is wonderful! I find it exciting and hopeful. Congratulations 4Cats Art Studio for making art available to children! (And finally, a studio in my neighbourhood!)
One of the most important things about being a teacher is keeping inspired by life and keeping your program interesting and authentic. I struggle to keep on top of new research in gifted education, regular education, and technology. I find it really daunting. However, I think it is important to share things that really inspire me.
Here is my son, after a paint splatter demonstration at 4 Cats Art Studio
that a friend is opening. The space is so inspirational. We were invited to an afternoon of painting, sculpting, and my favourite - a Jackson Pollack inspired group paint!
I am inspired by art; I love teaching art, and I love learning about artists. Most importantly, I love students working with different materials and experiencing the feeling of art.
I feel especially passionate about art because when I was a student I turned away from art as I couldn't make the connection with my teacher. She scared me. At a point where I needed encouragement and inspiration, I was given none. Now, I am not saying I was particularly talented in art, but what I needed was an inkling of encouragement or a hook to get me going. But instead, I had too much else on the go, and so, I didn't take art again in high school.
(I wonder, how often does this happen to students....they just turn away from something that may not be easy, or doesn't grab them, or the teacher just doesn't seem to care...)
And so, I turned away from art classes. In my day, there were no art classes for young kids. You had art in preschool, you did art in elementary school once per week, and then, if you liked art, perhaps you would study it in high school.
However, when I see the opportunities open to kids today to pursue art, learn about artists, and have the experience in working with different mediums, I am truly inspired.
Any art program for children, is wonderful! I find it exciting and hopeful.
Congratulations 4Cats Art Studio for making art available to children! (And finally, a studio in my neighbourhood!)
We ( the boys and I) are happy because school is almost over for another year, and I am busy planning next year's challenge centres! Not that I don't love school, but I am looking forward to spending all my days with my two favourite people...my sons! One thing in the development for next year is a book club....I will meet with a group of readers once per month and share exciting literature. The new programs for the 2011-2012 school year will be posted here in a few weeks time. Happy countdown to summer and I hope everyone enjoys the last few days of the school year!
We ( the boys and I) are happy because school is almost over for another year, and I am busy planning next year's challenge centres! Not that I don't love school, but I am looking forward to spending all my days with my two favourite people...my sons!
One thing in the development for next year is a book club....I will meet with a group of readers once per month and share exciting literature.
The new programs for the 2011-2012 school year will be posted here in a few weeks time. Happy countdown to summer and I hope everyone enjoys the last few days of the school year!
Last week I spent two days with wonderful grade ones. They created their own fairytales and designed backdrops.... I love the way this group painted their backdrop.... And this one.... And this one...... Other students created original stories Other students made puppets and acted out their stories... Here are a few puppet designs....Fantastic examples of creativity, originality, and teamwork! I really challenged the students by leaving this program really opened ended...I wanted to see how they would create their own fairytale and how they would put it together. And, they all rose to the challenge, working together and creating exciting fairytales. Thank you Grade Ones and I am looking forward to working with you next year!
Last week I spent two days with wonderful grade ones.
They created their own fairytales and designed backdrops....
I love the way this group painted their backdrop....
And this one....
And this one......
Other students created original stories
Other students made puppets and acted out their stories...
Here are a few puppet designs....
Fantastic examples of creativity, originality, and teamwork! I really challenged the students by leaving this program really opened ended...I wanted to see how they would create their own fairytale and how they would put it together. And, they all rose to the challenge, working together and creating exciting fairytales. Thank you Grade Ones and I am looking forward to working with you next year!
Welcome Grade Ones....I hope you had a great weekend; here is a cake made for all those deserving Canuck Fans that I won at a Carnival on the weekend!!! My son was so happy to win this in the cake walk. I can't wait to work with you tomorrow and create wonderful Fairytales! I hope you have lots of ideas that you will share with me tomorrow....
