tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65837599587994667732024-03-13T09:58:17.865-05:00The Creative LicenseCelebrating creativity and self-expression in the Art roomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-48598880183481614942016-04-01T10:19:00.000-05:002016-04-01T10:19:34.958-05:00Essential Questions in the Art Room<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While the whole<b> <a href="http://www.authenticeducation.org/ae_bigideas/article.lasso?artid=53" target="_blank">Essential Question</a> </b>thing has been a bit confusing, (sometimes I swear I’m hearing or reading conflicting information!) I finally feel like I’ve got a bit of a handle on the overarching essential questions in each of my classes. I’m continuing to write the question(s) specific to each project, but these are a good start. I know that online resources really helped me to write mine, so let me add to the conversation!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This will also be my last post this school year as I evaluate the writing of this blog and how it fits into the goals I’ve set for myself. I’ve very much enjoyed writing, documenting and sharing a little bit of my classroom as I've learned about the blogging process. </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><b>4th-12th GRADE OVERARCHING ART ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">The important overall goals of my classes include: idea development and creative problem-solving, the development of practice and "stick-to-it" skills, craftsmanship, and self-expression. Hopefully these are covered in the essential questions.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>4th/5th/6th: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">How do we develop a good idea?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How do we make an artwork look complete?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How is practice an important part of learning anything new?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How does art help us tell people our feelings?</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>7th/8th: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">How do artists grow and become accomplished in art forms?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How is art a form of communication?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Why is craftsmanship an important part of creating something excellent? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">How does art help us use our brains in a different way?</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>ART 1 / ART 2: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">To what extent do artistic skill building activities help you express yourself?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">What role does graphic design play in consumers' choices? (Visual Literacy Smart Goal)</span></div>
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<span class="s1">In what ways can artwork reflect what is happening in a culture or society?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How can reflecting on your own work help you improve how and what you learn?</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>ART 3 / ART 4 / ART PORTFOLIO: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS</b></span></div>
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<span class="s1">What role does persistence play in revisiting, refining, and developing your ideas?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How do artists appropriately use other’s images and ideas?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How does self-expression and creative problem solving help you in other areas of your life?</span></div>
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<span class="s1">How do people engage in the visual arts throughout their lives and how do they benefit from it?</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy teaching!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-80571569683306741582016-02-16T09:23:00.001-06:002016-02-16T09:23:09.652-06:00One Word for the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kI6C4sokKWY/VsM7ENULfZI/AAAAAAAABhE/LcLFNVn1Ags/s1600/One%2Bword%2Bproject%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kI6C4sokKWY/VsM7ENULfZI/AAAAAAAABhE/LcLFNVn1Ags/s640/One%2Bword%2Bproject%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because we are on a block schedule, when we start our new semester of classes, its just like starting the year over; fresh and exciting, with new schedules and new students. Its a great little boost to the school year, as you realize that these are the students you will be with until the year is over. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like to start the new semester with a warm up project for all 7-12th grade students.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its very short and non-threatening, but it sets the mood for the class. We actually did this a few weeks ago, but it was a successful little beginning project and I wanted to share.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> For the last few years, instead of a New Year’s resolution, I have started the year by choosing a word I would focus on for the whole year. It was generally something I wanted more of in my life, or something I wanted to work toward. I decided this would be a great thing for my middle and high school students to do also. They could focus only on the new semester, or, since it was only mid-January, they could use the word for the whole year. I showed them <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UIrRd2K3_I" target="_blank">this video</a> to give them word ideas.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I asked them to create a small artwork around their word. These pieces were only 4 inches square, so it did not take long, but it generated a lot of discussion within the class and gave us a little glimpse into each other’s minds and souls. (I shared mine also.) I did not require them to explain why they chose their word, but many shared as they worked. This is exactly the kind of class atmosphere I’m always trying to encourage, so it was successful on many levels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I created a bulletin board with all of the finished works.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Projects like this are fun to display because they invariably make the viewer think…asking the question: “What would your word of the year be?”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Creating!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-48939464131820748722016-01-12T08:02:00.000-06:002016-01-12T08:02:44.411-06:00Getting Organized in the Art Room: Personal Kanban<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLyuIvpU0n0/VpQbbk0TaXI/AAAAAAAABgE/NWFlBCXor8Q/s1600/personal%2Bkanban%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLyuIvpU0n0/VpQbbk0TaXI/AAAAAAAABgE/NWFlBCXor8Q/s640/personal%2Bkanban%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to be more organized? Well I have an idea for you!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kanban is a visual signal that's used to trigger an action. The word Kanban is Japanese and roughly translated means “card you can see.” Toyota introduced and refined the use of Kanban in a relay system to standardize the flow of parts in their just-in-time (JIT) production lines in the 1950s. (<a href="http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/kanban"><span class="s2">http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/kanban</span></a>) It helped everyone in production to see what was being completed and what still needed to happen. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This interesting idea is most often used in the corporate world, but has also crossed over into other fields. In education, it can be used in a group setting for committee work, collaborative projects, etc. or individually as a personal “To Do” list. This second way is how I use it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As an organization nerd, I stumbled across Kanban and have adopted it as my classroom to-do list. It works really great for me because it limits what I am focusing on at any one time, so I don’t get overwhelmed. It is also very encouraging because it reminds me what I have already accomplished.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you google “personal kanban” you will find all kinds of examples and information. It is highly adaptable to your needs! An excellent website for further explanations and info is <a href="http://www.personalkanban.com/pk/personal-kanban-101/" target="_blank">Personal Kanban</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As stated in the above link, there are two basic rules:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> * Visualize your work</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> * Limit your work-in-progress</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are several ways to draw up your Personal Kanban. I </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">chose to use a manilla file folder and make 4 columns:</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>TO DO: </u> for all of those items you need to get done</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>TODAY:</u> for the things I either need or hope to get done today only</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>IN PROGRESS (waiting):</u> for those things I’ve finished as much as I can and I’m now waiting for a response or action by someone else before they can be completed.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>DONE:</u> my favorite!…used when something is completed!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sticky notes are used for each individual task so they can easily move from column to column.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every so often I clear off the DONE column and start fresh. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a satisfying way to keep track of the To Do’s in my teaching life. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give it a try and see what you think!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Organizing!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-13987677715208971742015-12-16T09:00:00.000-06:002015-12-16T09:00:30.294-06:00A Mixed Media Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Swm0rKDp9eI/VnCKobb9tWI/AAAAAAAABcg/X9MhgutVaJA/s1600/mixed%2Bmedia%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Swm0rKDp9eI/VnCKobb9tWI/AAAAAAAABcg/X9MhgutVaJA/s640/mixed%2Bmedia%2B5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Teaching students mixed media can be daunting. There are so many processes and techniques that can be combined in endless ways! Sometimes it is paralyzing for students who don’t know what to do next or if they like the layer they’ve created and don’t want to “mess it up.” I have many good books, websites and Youtube videos that give students info and ideas, but getting them to try new things was like pulling teeth! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, inspired by the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paint-Mojo-Mixed-Media-Techniques-Expression/dp/1440333130/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450276961&sr=8-1&keywords=paint+mojo" target="_blank">“Paint Mojo” by Tracy Verdugo</a>, </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I created this </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">layered mixed media project that walks students through the thought process of creating by giving them instruction, but also some lateral movements within the work for their own self expression.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LAYER 1: Choose 3 acrylic colors and paint a canvas board in blended patches. Add pieces of newspaper, phone book pages, dictionary pages (or another paper of your choice) and using Mod Podge, add them to the piece.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LAYER 2:</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Design five or more “personal icons” (personal symbols) and make notes on what they mean to you.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Put in sketchbook.)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Icons are then painted on and stamped on using pieces of styrofoam with the icon drawn into them. You may repeat icons as needed.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LAYER 3: Add lettering in some way. (Make stencils and paint, find larger magazine words and attach, or research other interesting ways to add.) Putting a positive spin on any wording you add is a nice touch!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">LAYER 4: Finish up by adding whatever it needs to look complete. This may be several layers or just one more… Be creative and try interesting processes to come to an interesting, textured, unique mixed media piece.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Creating...and Happy Holidays!!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-39858543153418831222015-11-20T12:08:00.001-06:002015-11-20T12:08:09.991-06:00Creative Photo Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ER5mInowPQ4/Vk9d1-gj1nI/AAAAAAAABbo/xUvQAkO9-dQ/s1600/Photo%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ER5mInowPQ4/Vk9d1-gj1nI/AAAAAAAABbo/xUvQAkO9-dQ/s640/Photo%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isn’t it fun when you find inspiration in those random everyday activities? That’s how this project came into being…as I was scrolling through my Instagram and came across an account that Instagram had highlighted in their feed. The name on the account was “superattractiveghettoblaster” (interesting, right?) and the story behind the awesome photos was interesting, too. French architect Thibault Ressy discovered 25 vintage boomboxes at a sale warehouse in Shanghai. He and his friends used them as party props and then started shooting portraits of people throughout the city with the boomboxes. Superattractiveghettoblaster was born! The photos are beautiful, thoughtful, fun, peaceful and inspirational! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRzgAdGTwfY/Vk9d1wSBcZI/AAAAAAAABb4/bf-QfxJkVvk/s1600/Photo%2BCollage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRzgAdGTwfY/Vk9d1wSBcZI/AAAAAAAABb4/bf-QfxJkVvk/s640/Photo%2BCollage%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After visiting <a href="https://instagram.com/superattractiveghettoblaster/" target="_blank">this fabulous instagram account</a> I asked students to choose an object of their own and take at least 20 different photographs in a variety of scenes with and without people. The goal was to make each photo interesting on its own and as a part of a larger series.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To turn this assignment in, I asked students to go to <a href="http://www.picmonkey.com/" target="_blank">PicMonkey</a>, choose their best 9 photos, and create a collage using the “9 Square” under Collage Layout. This collage was then saved and turned in to our Google Classroom account. This set up was an easy way for students </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to practice choosing their strongest images and it made it easier for me to grade, when I could see them all at once.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun students had with this project. Most of them really got into it by just using the cameras on their phones, but a few borrowed the camera I have in my classroom (a simple 35 mm.) They did any necessary editing in Picmonkey before creating their collages, but kept the original photos for use with future projects or competitions</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Keep your eyes open for those interesting new ideas just waiting around the corner! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy photograph-taking! :-)</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-15033728267195553622015-11-05T17:31:00.000-06:002015-11-10T13:27:45.476-06:00How to Design an Awesome Poster! (Elementary version)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXtwTUJoEXo/VjvjWVTDlTI/AAAAAAAABak/eiWPbmd9mO8/s1600/Poster%2Btips%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXtwTUJoEXo/VjvjWVTDlTI/AAAAAAAABak/eiWPbmd9mO8/s640/Poster%2Btips%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In one way or another, students will be asked to design posters for classes, presentations, contests, and a myriad of other areas of their lives as they get older. Some will be hand-drawn and some will be digital, but ALL will need a good sense of design. I decided this would be a good “life skill” to use as the focus of a project. When we started, our school-wide<a href="http://redribbon.org/about/" target="_blank"> Red Ribbon Week</a> was coming up and my students were offered an opportunity to create posters to be displayed, so this was the perfect time!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In doing some research to see what the graphic design experts say about designing posters, I came across this great article on</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.creativebloq.com/print-design/how-design-poster-pro-tips-7133634" target="_blank"><span class="s2">thecreativebloq.com</span>: (How to Design a Poster: 10 Pro Tips)<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">.</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because I am working with upper elementary students, I trimmed it down to 4 tips and reworded it a little.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is what I came up with:</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Find a focus.</b> What is your message? What do you want the viewer to see first?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Add a few details…but not too many. </b>You want to include some fun and interesting pieces to the poster, but not so many that we lose your main message.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Balance the composition. </b>This ties in with #2. Lay out all of the components of your poster evenly - no big blank spaces.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. Mix your fonts. </b>Use more than one letter style to give your poster a little more interest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a little graphic for you: </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We talked through all of these guidelines and I modeled how to plan out a poster on sketch paper first. Then the kids went to work! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As simple as these ideas seem, we can refer back to this little graphic design lesson in other ways as we come across design challenges in future projects. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also may create a bit more detailed version for my older students, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Creating!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-46724684870098363172015-10-22T09:03:00.000-05:002015-10-22T09:03:14.140-05:00An (Almost) Free Standing Desk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUyVv-DgaY4/VijfkpIm38I/AAAAAAAABZg/rmeF4QO90n4/s1600/homemade%2Bstanding%2Bdesk%2B3%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUyVv-DgaY4/VijfkpIm38I/AAAAAAAABZg/rmeF4QO90n4/s640/homemade%2Bstanding%2Bdesk%2B3%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you seen the research on the use of standing desks? If not, <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/five-health-benefits-standing-desks-180950259/?no-ist" target="_blank">check this out </a>! </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">More focus, better health, more energy, etc, etc!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I tend to roam the room with my younger classes (and they have more needs and questions) than with my high school students. I try to check in on them every 15 minutes just to make sure they are on track, but I do not like to hover <a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2014/11/classroom-mantra-dont-hover.html" target="_blank">(as discussed in this post)</a> which means I like to work at my desk along with my students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So I decided to try the “standing desk” craze.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After doing a little research and looking at costs, I figured out a way to make one for (almost) FREE! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEO0N6hgqBk/Vijfkr2azAI/AAAAAAAABZk/y0bHI8bHtBE/s1600/homemade%2Bstanding%2Bdesk%2B1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEO0N6hgqBk/Vijfkr2azAI/AAAAAAAABZk/y0bHI8bHtBE/s400/homemade%2Bstanding%2Bdesk%2B1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A couple of random boxes, some hot glue and some wood patterned Contact paper ($4) and VOILA!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A standing desk of my own!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My students enjoyed teasing me (“WHAT are you making?”), but the work space size is perfect, the height works well and I really like it!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I was explaining this concept to questioning kids, they said…”You mean like a podium?” Yes - I know its like a podium, but I do NOT have room for one more piece of furniture in my room!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This baby is portable, can be easily set aside when I want to sit at my desk, and it works great!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wrapped the bottom and top separately so that I can still use the box if I want to.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Right now, I have a couple of books in there, just to give the base a bit more stability. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m considering making more of these for students in my room who would enjoy working standing up. How fun is it to make something out of (almost) nothing?</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-38862316604568659582015-09-25T11:51:00.000-05:002015-09-25T11:51:47.562-05:00Design Your Own Shading Style<div class="p1">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cO1UtA4OVzA/VgV3pNXed_I/AAAAAAAABX8/qTw8Qd53qZs/s1600/design%2Byour%2Bown%2Bshading%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cO1UtA4OVzA/VgV3pNXed_I/AAAAAAAABX8/qTw8Qd53qZs/s640/design%2Byour%2Bown%2Bshading%2B5.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello again! Summer is over and we’re finally back into the swing of things! My Art 4 students, by this age, are often tired of the same old, same old shaded drawings so I’ve recently been challenging them to come up with a new way to shade. If you google “scribble shading,” the variety of ideas that come forward are amazing. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-To8uj6lB5_E/VgV4N_wdOcI/AAAAAAAABYY/qCTYKUHV5UE/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-To8uj6lB5_E/VgV4N_wdOcI/AAAAAAAABYY/qCTYKUHV5UE/s200/images.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Vince Low</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m especially a fan of Malaysian artist, </span></span><br />
<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.behance.net/vincelow" target="_blank">Vince Low</a> and his celebrity portraits.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-FP5YDbhGw" target="_blank">great video demonstration</a> of what he does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(And here is another inspiring video that could tie in with this project: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrZTho_o_is" target="_blank">Embrace the Shake!</a>)</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To get students warmed up, I asked them to design a few different “styles” of scribbling or mark making. They could then choose whichever one worked best for their chosen photo.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGY1jaBYiDM/VgV3pGtOQuI/AAAAAAAABYM/bRdahNUxfz8/s1600/scribble%2Bshading%2Bexercise%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGY1jaBYiDM/VgV3pGtOQuI/AAAAAAAABYM/bRdahNUxfz8/s400/scribble%2Bshading%2Bexercise%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The trickiest parts of this project were controlling the values (the buildup of marks takes patience) and getting the smallest details defined as best they could. Sometimes, simplifications were in order. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Students complained at first, but once they got the hang of it, they did well and the artworks were created surprisingly quickly! Yeah for techniques that are easier than they appear!!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGLR_CxF8po/VgV3owEXcII/AAAAAAAABYE/5tDZ7SOt_Ac/s1600/design%2Byour%2Bown%2Bshading%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGLR_CxF8po/VgV3owEXcII/AAAAAAAABYE/5tDZ7SOt_Ac/s640/design%2Byour%2Bown%2Bshading%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-82856960525184656662015-05-22T16:00:00.000-05:002015-05-22T16:00:00.234-05:00I DID IT! One Artwork a Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfJwAsAfEr8/VV9iUsZ0VeI/AAAAAAAABTA/X3vxX6li8cs/s1600/one%2Bartwork%2Ba%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfJwAsAfEr8/VV9iUsZ0VeI/AAAAAAAABTA/X3vxX6li8cs/s640/one%2Bartwork%2Ba%2Bday.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know I said I was done blogging for the school year, but I just had to share this...I DID IT! With the encouragement and interest of my awesome students, I created one new artwork per school day for the whole school year (as referenced<a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2014/09/challenge-artwork-day.html" target="_blank"><b> here </b></a>and <a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2014/11/update-one-artwork-day.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.) Some of them are not great...and others have inspired me to create a larger piece exploring an idea further. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The kids and I had some awesome discussions centered around this endeavor and if nothing else, showing them how to set a goal and work to achieve it, even when inconvenient and difficult, was a good thing. I also learned, for myself, that you have to create through the good ideas and the bad ones. If you just keep going, your voice, your muse, your inspiration comes through; definitely a message for me to remember! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once again...Happy Summer!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-13018184670585475922015-05-11T16:00:00.000-05:002015-05-11T16:00:06.584-05:00Using Evernote for Art Portfolios<div class="p1">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieo1cGAw1N0/VVEEYuwVV5I/AAAAAAAABR0/w75iSS2LMwo/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ieo1cGAw1N0/VVEEYuwVV5I/AAAAAAAABR0/w75iSS2LMwo/s640/images.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the end of the first semester this year, I shared my <a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2015/01/using-evernote-to-create-teacher.html" target="_blank">LOVE of Evernote </a> (tutorial links in that blog post) with my advanced high school art students and showed them how fabulous it could be to help them stay organized when they go off to college in the next year or two. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also showed them how awesome it can be as a place to store their artwork by asking them to create a student Art Portfolio and write an analysis of their work this year. They had to include this year’s work, but I also gave them the option to include work from other years and many of them added work from 7th grade on up! (Don’t you LOVE those kids who keep their work from every year of Art?? Makes my heart happy!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To get their work into Evernote, I gave them tips on photographing their work and enhancing those tired photos in iPhoto. We kept it simple by asking them to crop it to the image, and hit the “wand” to enhance color and value. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In their analysis I asked them to talk about where they could see growth in their artwork and what areas they still needed to work on. This analysis was written as a separate “note” in the Student Portfolio “notebook.” </span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once they are done, they just "share" it with me by emailing me a link to their notebook. I can then download it into my Evernote account. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has been so eye opening to see how far they have come and to read their remarks and comments. They are typically hard on themselves, so it was great for them to witness the progress they continue to make with their skills and creative vision. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another nice part of this setup with Evernote is that it automatically goes with them when they graduate. Other programs that are tied to school accounts make it hard to take all of that work with them when they leave.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once students have done this once, they can just keep adding to it from year to year. I plan to make it part of the "end of the semester" routine each year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This will be the last post before we wrap up the school year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Summer everyone!! See you in the fall!! :-)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-8637602620681901492015-04-28T16:00:00.000-05:002015-04-28T16:00:02.104-05:00High School Pen and Ink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are coming up on the end of the year and our Conference Art Fair, where we compete with other schools in our district and get to show off our talented students’ work.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I’m matting and labeling these pieces, it is fun to see the growth of students individually and classes as a whole. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I was ruminating on this fact as I gathered some of the pen and ink pieces. These students are sophomores, juniors, and seniors. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their skills continue to grow as they find their voices as artists. This is why I love high school!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-29259274750461234252015-04-10T16:00:00.000-05:002015-04-14T08:32:04.865-05:00Spring Birds!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzNqt90qJCI/VSf-88XIfBI/AAAAAAAABPg/5w-gOXCzQwQ/s1600/spring%2Bbird%2Bpainting2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzNqt90qJCI/VSf-88XIfBI/AAAAAAAABPg/5w-gOXCzQwQ/s1600/spring%2Bbird%2Bpainting2.JPG" height="619" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I got to be the “reward” again for a sweet little class of second graders. I have done this a few times now with the lower elementary classes that don’t get to have official Art class. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(I teach 4th -12th grade.) As much as I consider myself more of a “big kids” kind of teacher, these little ones are always such a kick!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They have so much enthusiasm for anything I introduce (high school students do NOT act like this…) that it makes it fun to try new things with them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the coming of spring to Iowa, we were definitely in the mood to celebrate after a long, cold winter.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We decided that some fun, springy bird paintings would be just the thing! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found inspiration with this image from </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://graphicleftovers.com/">graphicleftovers.com</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJorooOM4Jk/VS0V4Szy37I/AAAAAAAABQE/aYAT6T6jQak/s1600/9d6dc4f3dc21014480db6902ddd2e1f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJorooOM4Jk/VS0V4Szy37I/AAAAAAAABQE/aYAT6T6jQak/s1600/9d6dc4f3dc21014480db6902ddd2e1f7.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and taught the students how to draw a simple bird (board diagram below), giving them lots of options for personalization. (How tall will it be? What kind of tail and crown will it have? What size and shape will you make the wings and beak?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lgE84ucHuz0/VSf-75b0rNI/AAAAAAAABPM/yxoS_KGAsf8/s1600/Spring%2Bbird%2Bart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lgE84ucHuz0/VSf-75b0rNI/AAAAAAAABPM/yxoS_KGAsf8/s1600/Spring%2Bbird%2Bart.jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After we practiced drawing, I gave them 12 x 12 paper to draw their final project, with the choice to draw one, two or three birds. Finally, we painted them with tempera cakes and outlined them in Sharpie!</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was a great way to welcome spring. Each of our birds had its own personality and it was so fun to see the kids’ enthusiasm translated into wonderful works of art!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-55627196029853133362015-03-24T16:00:00.000-05:002015-03-25T11:57:13.731-05:00Inspired by George Rodrigue: Blue Dog Paintings<div class="p1">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently introduced 4th graders to George Rodrigue and his fun Blue Dog paintings. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We watched <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4orjLLVBio" target="_blank">this video</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp_UhYOhulA" target="_blank">this video </a>to introduce the project. Since George is an artist who was living (until he sadly passed away in 2013) during their lifetime, its neat for them to see him and hear him speak about his work. They especially loved the references to his dog and the stories of the Loup Garou (a Cajun werewolf.) </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We looked at a calendar I had of Blue Dog paintings and checked out a few more on the internet. Students were inspired by the variety of Blue Dog paintings that Rodrigue created and were excited to create their own.</span></span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I led them in a guided drawing of a basic blue dog and asked them to add background or accessories to their dogs to give them personality! Many of them chose to paint their dogs blue, but they were allowed to use any color they liked.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After practice drawings, students redrew their dog on 12 x 18 paper and painted them with tempera cakes, outlining in black marker when done.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Students love the Blue Dog and I love seeing their creativity get fired up! Happy Painting!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-1204444083877121392015-03-13T16:00:00.000-05:002015-03-13T16:00:01.150-05:00Middle School Animal Pastel Drawings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9AY6_VYNA4/VQM97vzLwWI/AAAAAAAABMY/595F-62zcSg/s1600/Animal%2Bpastel%2Bdrawings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9AY6_VYNA4/VQM97vzLwWI/AAAAAAAABMY/595F-62zcSg/s1600/Animal%2Bpastel%2Bdrawings.JPG" height="442" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I haven’t found a group of students of any age who does not enjoy drawing animals.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This animal project is a great introduction to pastels for my 7th graders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After I introduce the pastels and give them a demonstration on how to use them, I set them loose. Each table receives an animal photo that all at that table will draw. I prop the photos up on a table easel so everyone at the table can see it. They really enjoy the pop of color the pastels give them when used on black paper, so I pass out 12 x 18 black construction paper and they sketch in pencil first. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When they begin with the pastels, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I remind them to layer and blend colors, look for shadows and highlights and get in as many details and animal textures as they can. I remind them to use our "Color Rule:" </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> Always use more than one color (whether its paint, crayon, colored pencil, etc.) in any one section. </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The blending/pushing of colors makes any artwork more interesting.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0WsKk8hdw4/VQM970yltOI/AAAAAAAABMc/9Q_icb09eug/s1600/Animal%2Bpastel%2Bdrawing%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0WsKk8hdw4/VQM970yltOI/AAAAAAAABMc/9Q_icb09eug/s1600/Animal%2Bpastel%2Bdrawing%2B2.JPG" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the first drawing is finished, students switch animal photos and try another one. These are surprisingly short drawings and the kids enjoy them, which makes it a pleasant experience for all of us! </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-69895073877601294902015-02-27T16:00:00.000-06:002015-02-27T16:00:02.859-06:00Paper Sculpture Options<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djRckNw-vfg/VPDBiwyL0uI/AAAAAAAABLg/VGZoYUsvllg/s1600/Paper%2BSculpture%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djRckNw-vfg/VPDBiwyL0uI/AAAAAAAABLg/VGZoYUsvllg/s1600/Paper%2BSculpture%2B5.jpg" height="640" width="498" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is nothing I love more than an open-ended project! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Students thrive when given just a few guiding rules or constraints (as illustrated in <a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2014/10/constraint-one-word-projects.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a>) and then set free to create!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a 2D artist, therefore…I am a better 2D art teacher (at least that’s how it works for me.)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because of this, I’m always looking for ways to bring more three dimensional art experiences to my students. This assignment fits the bill!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This project is a favorite because it is </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a) inexpensive (newspaper!!) and </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">b) open to a lot of creative interpretation.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do this with my juniors </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(Art 3), but I feel like it could be adapted to just about any age level from middle school on up.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Simply put, students are asked to make a sculpture out of newspaper. I give very little direction beyond this except to tell them to do a “paper sculpture” image search to get a little inspiration (no copying, obviously!), show a couple of examples of “relief” paper art pieces (with a mat board base),</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and give them links to these videos: </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuQsxFhBGzw" target="_blank">Six Amazing Pop Paper Sculptures</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=rZtVhnRfFaU&feature=endscreen" target="_blank">Paper Fish Sculpture</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7owR_XE4DaE" target="_blank">Great Paper Mache Dragon Trophy</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHQmyq4LqPk" target="_blank">Amazing Paper Sculptures</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEzQwG6JwcA" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Newspaper Stick Jointing</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">but I make it clear that the options are wide open. Most paper sculptures start out with newspaper, but other kinds of paper may be used also.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, because I was tackling paper mache with my 6th graders and the older students noticed, I opened up that possibility for this project also.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was so fun to see students embrace that option. We used the common flour/water/salt recipe and the Elmer's glue/water recipes to create the paper mache.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is really neat each year to see what students come up with. This year most students were excited about paper mache so they worked in that direction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No matter what, witnessing creative engagement and problem solving in action is priceless!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Happy creating!!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-58425716985648824322015-02-10T16:00:00.000-06:002015-02-10T16:00:02.319-06:00Extra Credit / Extra Time Coupons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2IzfXGC0xvE/VNpwjwSDtcI/AAAAAAAABKY/hhfTtkolKWs/s1600/Coupons%2Bheart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2IzfXGC0xvE/VNpwjwSDtcI/AAAAAAAABKY/hhfTtkolKWs/s1600/Coupons%2Bheart.png" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A couple of times a year, I show my students some love by giving them coupons to make their lives a little easier.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of those times is around Valentine’s Day. As we all know, High school students are so busy they can get very stressed as they try to juggle all of their classes and extracurriculars.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although it is important to me that they learn to handle deadlines and be responsible about turning their work in,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also do not want them to have a complete meltdown about an artwork.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life is too short for that! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So a couple of times a year, I pass out Extra time/Extra Credit coupons. My students get very excited…you would have thought I had given them each $100! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The coupon states:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="s1">“This coupon entitles </span><span class="s2">(student’s name)</span></i><span class="s1"><i> to extra credit points or the turning in of one project up to a week late without being downgraded.</i> <i>Pay attention to midterms/terms when using this.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These coupons generally get passed out around Halloween (first semester) and Valentine’s Day (second semester) but they do not expire until the students graduates (unless they would happen to lose them…) Some students use theirs right away, but others hoard them and by their senior year, they have several they can use. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reason I like the idea of these is because they can take the pressure off of a student who is very dedicated to their work, but needs more time for a project to be done well. It is also nice to give a boost to those who are struggling. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because they are passed out so infrequently, these coupons will not “cover” for a student who is not working and blows off their projects, but it is a nice cushion for those who are genuinely trying to do well in their Art classes. Anything we can do to encourage our students and let them know we are in this with them is a great thing in my book! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Valentines Day!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-4008658950757760882015-02-03T16:00:00.000-06:002015-02-03T16:00:13.670-06:003D Paper Shading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I start each of my high school classes out at the beginning of the semester with drawing skills practice and shaded drawing projects. This post is about a cross between a skill practice and a project. Its one that you’ve seen before, I’m sure because the first time I saw it was in <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/relief-drawing/" target="_blank">Dick Blick.</a> Its a good one!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What I love about it is that it</span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">uses the most simple materials (PAPER!) to create a challenging shading exercise. They are given two sheets of 9x12 heavy drawing paper. One sheet is the base, the other is used to create the shapes they will then do a shaded drawing of. If done well, these look awesome! I ask them to dramatize the shadows they see so they can achieve the contrast needed for a successful drawing. The white on white paper makes them REALLY pay attention to the shadows. I love how the kids’ shading styles come out in the way they approach this. No two look the same - and in the end, that’s what we are all about in the GR Art Room! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npZsmN4NUWY/VNENflM2k5I/AAAAAAAABJ0/wGi7SrU8jWQ/s1600/Pencils.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npZsmN4NUWY/VNENflM2k5I/AAAAAAAABJ0/wGi7SrU8jWQ/s1600/Pencils.JPG" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the same time, I give the students a <a href="http://www.thedrawingsource.com/drawing-pencils.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> on the many and varied pencil leads from 6H to 6B. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They each receive a set of pencils and erasers that they get to keep.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Its like Christmas in the Art room!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I ask, when they do this project, that they use all of the pencils they’ve been given so they can get used to the hard leads of the “H”s and the soft dark leads of the “B”s.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is always encouraging to see how much they learn from such a simple idea. </span></div>
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Happy Drawing!!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-1011491805191029902015-01-22T16:00:00.000-06:002015-01-22T16:00:00.689-06:00Senior Squares on the Ceiling<div class="p1">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VuP5_3ZA5I/VMFcPpvdO9I/AAAAAAAABIw/BEEpfwMAFS4/s1600/Senior%2BSquare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VuP5_3ZA5I/VMFcPpvdO9I/AAAAAAAABIw/BEEpfwMAFS4/s1600/Senior%2BSquare.JPG" height="640" width="628" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When you teach fourth through twelfth grade, being a senior in the Art room is a big deal! Those advanced classes are so fun to teach. Its neat to see how far students have come - and how much further I can push them before they graduate. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One way we help our Art seniors to feel special is through the creation and display of Senior Squares. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have a lovely dropped ceiling like this…</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBZIhoWqFnc/VMFcMmr2fNI/AAAAAAAABIM/Iki2bHx0TQw/s1600/Ceiling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cBZIhoWqFnc/VMFcMmr2fNI/AAAAAAAABIM/Iki2bHx0TQw/s1600/Ceiling.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So our seniors each create an artwork on a 23" x 23 ½" piece of paper.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are just a few requirements:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">they must include their name (in block letters), class of 2015 and any patterns, objects or designs that help to express themselves and their lives.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When finished, artworks are tucked into the tiles and displayed on the ceiling.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeqYhg9bKDU/VMFcPc5AEFI/AAAAAAAABIs/NETuS_c_Wpw/s1600/Senior%2BSquare%2Bceilig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeqYhg9bKDU/VMFcPc5AEFI/AAAAAAAABIs/NETuS_c_Wpw/s1600/Senior%2BSquare%2Bceilig.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The younger students love to check them out and talk about what they will create when they make their square. Isn't it funny how those simple little traditions come to really mean something to the kids? </div>
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Happy Teaching!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-27456524486787030412015-01-16T16:00:00.000-06:002015-01-16T16:00:05.033-06:00Using Evernote to Create a Teacher Evaluation Portfolio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZinGhcQEsZg/VLl2jED21wI/AAAAAAAABHE/KE9UTbfOVS8/s1600/Evernote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZinGhcQEsZg/VLl2jED21wI/AAAAAAAABHE/KE9UTbfOVS8/s1600/Evernote.png" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a HUGE fan of Evernote! In the past couple of years, I have “digitally organized” myself both at school and at home. The uses for this lovely program are never ending. If you are not familiar with Evernote, in the interest of time, let me share the Wikipedia definition with you:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Evernote is a suite of software and services, designed for note taking and archiving. A "note" can be a piece of formatted text, a full webpage or webpage excerpt, a photograph, a voice memo, or a handwritten "ink" note. Notes can also have file attachments.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can group Notes into Notebooks and all of this information is accessible on your computer, tablet and smart phone. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are tons of great tutorials already online explaining how to use Evernote far better than I would, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(such as <a href="https://evernote.com/getting_started/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4I5cq2DfrSqDxIgxE1SXdYiWpizDpz8l" target="_blank">here</a> ) so I will not go into it, but don't worry -</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> it</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> is very easy to pick up!</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My favorite new use for Evernote is my Teacher Evaluation Portfolio. In Iowa we have <a href="https://www.educateiowa.gov/documents/educator-quality/2013/04/iowa-teaching-standards-and-criteria" target="_blank">8 Teaching Standards </a>with a variety of criteria listed for each one. In my school we fill out this Portfolio Reflection Sheet (which I just copied and pasted into its own note so I could use it over and over again.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M72c9ePNwSQ/VLl4vIkXQ9I/AAAAAAAABHQ/CZekb3wbPRQ/s1600/Portfolio%2BReflection%2BSheet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M72c9ePNwSQ/VLl4vIkXQ9I/AAAAAAAABHQ/CZekb3wbPRQ/s1600/Portfolio%2BReflection%2BSheet.png" height="596" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and attach artifacts (photos, scanned student examples, etc.) as evidence.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the past, all of these artifacts and reflections (at least 2 listed under each standard, with a list of all the criteria it represents included) were put in a thick binder and turned in to my principal.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The longer you teach, the bigger this binder gets, as we add to it every third year. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ENTER EVERNOTE!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">No unwieldy binders, no papers, sheet protectors and file dividers, etc, etc!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I am done with my portfolio, all I have to do is click the "share" button and put in my principal's email address. Evernote sends him a link and he can see (only) my Teaching Portfolio Notebook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is an example of a Portfolio Reflection filled out and the accompanying photo (screenshots):</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDR95N2HN9Q/VLl7rLzANFI/AAAAAAAABHo/OQH_Sbn0YzY/s1600/Teacher%2BEvaluation%2BPortfolio%2BReflection%2Bexample%2BEvernote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CDR95N2HN9Q/VLl7rLzANFI/AAAAAAAABHo/OQH_Sbn0YzY/s1600/Teacher%2BEvaluation%2BPortfolio%2BReflection%2Bexample%2BEvernote.png" height="608" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAucUtiPUUw/VLl7rBdC3BI/AAAAAAAABHs/LiA205DEEJo/s1600/Teacher%2BEval%2BPortfolio%2Bevidence%2B-%2Bevernote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kAucUtiPUUw/VLl7rBdC3BI/AAAAAAAABHs/LiA205DEEJo/s1600/Teacher%2BEval%2BPortfolio%2Bevidence%2B-%2Bevernote.png" height="618" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a screenshot of my portfolio (in progress - I'm not done!):</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPfBH2IGAL0/VLl8dZRUVuI/AAAAAAAABH4/LfMmYiEYswk/s1600/Teacher%2BEvaluation%2BPortfolio%2Busing%2BEvernote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GPfBH2IGAL0/VLl8dZRUVuI/AAAAAAAABH4/LfMmYiEYswk/s1600/Teacher%2BEvaluation%2BPortfolio%2Busing%2BEvernote.png" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am also excited to get my students started using this program to create and maintain a portfolio of their artwork and all of its other excellent uses for students (more on this later!) I encourage you to give it a try - it is awesome! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-53326161951489428292015-01-09T16:00:00.000-06:002015-01-09T16:00:01.442-06:00Simple Notebook To Do List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5J08amC3HQ/VLBFB1EFxmI/AAAAAAAABGs/qrOlC85k0As/s1600/di7R79yi9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5J08amC3HQ/VLBFB1EFxmI/AAAAAAAABGs/qrOlC85k0As/s1600/di7R79yi9.png" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">As I’ve stated before, I love to be organized! I have a lot of “right brain” in my life, but my “left brain” comes out in the organizing I like to do. I have discovered that if I have certain processes in place, life becomes so much easier. This could be something as simple as the way I hand out paintbrushes, or something more complex like how I handle our home budget. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve tried a lot of different ways to keep To Do lists. I’m a big fan of <a href="https://www.wunderlist.com/" target="_blank">“Wunderlist”</a>, but even when I use digital To Do’s for master lists, ideas to try, stuff to buy, etc., I need something more immediate on a day to day basis. I have also found that physically writing things down makes them much easier to remember. And as a bonus…is there anything better than getting to cross something completed off your list?</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After much trial and error, this To Do list setup is really doing the job! I like to know what needs to be done now - and what I’ll need to be thinking about soon. I’m also a sticky note FREAK so having a space for those is helpful. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here’s an example of the “template:” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WojCTc6PNk/VLBDHx2ksTI/AAAAAAAABGc/ohissMACSs4/s1600/Simple%2Bnotebook%2BTo%2BDo%2Blist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WojCTc6PNk/VLBDHx2ksTI/AAAAAAAABGc/ohissMACSs4/s1600/Simple%2Bnotebook%2BTo%2BDo%2Blist.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span>Notice the area in the middle for things I want to try to do often; an automatic reminder so I don't let it get away from me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">An example of one that is filled in:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fFRsq0tr8Y/VLBDH83vR5I/AAAAAAAABGY/wYQZ9WIy9gc/s1600/Simple%2BNotebook%2BTo%2Bdo%2Blist%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fFRsq0tr8Y/VLBDH83vR5I/AAAAAAAABGY/wYQZ9WIy9gc/s1600/Simple%2BNotebook%2BTo%2Bdo%2Blist%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This list is a little more simplified than usual…we are starting fresh in the new semester, so my sticky notes haven’t accumulated yet! :-)</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-9960181627408365962014-12-17T16:00:00.000-06:002014-12-17T16:00:00.590-06:00Flickr in the Art Room<div class="p1">
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post may be old news to many of you, but its been an awesome revelation to me! </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have an Apple TV in my classroom and one day I noticed that one of the apps on the screen was for <a href="https://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. I had been on the site before, but never used it myself. A light went on and I realized that I could use that app to show students examples of projects as I introduce them and store the photos that are on my computer.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have recently been showing students photos of good works as examples on various projects in my room, instead of keeping a paper copy. The paper examples are nice, but:</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A) They get beat up easily. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">B) I don’t like to show kids MY work because they get frustrated if theirs doesn’t look like that.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">C) If they are younger students, they only want to do it like mine and don’t use their creativity or self expression.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PLUS: the projects that turn out really well, students want to take home and keep (and rightly so!) Enter the photograph examples!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I take pictures of student work, upload them to Flickr in the appropriate album (divided by groups of classes - once they get too large, I may subdivide them) and show those examples on my Apple TV using the Flickr app. (I can also pull it up on my computer if just one students needs to see it because they were gone, etc.) I like that students get to see several examples, but its rather fleeting so they aren’t just copying what’s in front of them. They can be inspired and then do their own thing with it.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve even started uploading my work to the site, just because its fun to show kids my work, and its a great way to archive work I’ve done for other people. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A simple idea? YES! Those are the best kind. I'm excited to discover other interesting ways I can use this lovely site!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy picture taking!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-67048555374553747462014-12-12T16:00:00.000-06:002014-12-12T16:00:02.281-06:00Holiday 3D Collages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfHoJBHbz5g/VIssOAj5rWI/AAAAAAAABFA/TAyHuIqsGVM/s1600/3D%2BO%2BCollage%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfHoJBHbz5g/VIssOAj5rWI/AAAAAAAABFA/TAyHuIqsGVM/s1600/3D%2BO%2BCollage%2B2.JPG" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I LOVE doing open ended projects with my elementary students.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They just flourish with the freedom these kinds of projects give them and it is so cool to see what they will come up with!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this time of year, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">they have LOTS </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of energy and its </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">time to harness that energy in a creative endeavor. My fifth graders were given the opportunity to celebrate the holiday and winter season by creating a winter or holiday scene of their own design with cut pieces of construction paper. I gave them each five</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> They LOVED this! The novelty of getting to have parts of their artwork instantly become a little more three dimensional was so fun for them and seemed to spark their creativity. Isn’t it interesting how little unique things like this can open a door of wonder and self expression in elementary kids (and big kids, for that matter!)? Who doesn’t love a fun process? </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-13229457735231397072014-12-03T16:00:00.000-06:002014-12-03T16:00:04.797-06:00Organization for Art Teachers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASIs2h5vFt8/VH9IHzoB58I/AAAAAAAABEc/PQ2nEcB14wQ/s1600/organization%2Bfor%2Bart%2Bteachers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASIs2h5vFt8/VH9IHzoB58I/AAAAAAAABEc/PQ2nEcB14wQ/s1600/organization%2Bfor%2Bart%2Bteachers.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are all kinds of organizational tools for teachers on the Internet. My school is going as paperless as possible, but as much as I LOVE technology (especially organizational technology!) there are times when "old school" is quicker and more efficient (at least for me!) I definitely did not create this idea out of thin air, but thought it might be fun to share the organizational binder I created to keep my school life running smoothly. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To make my binder I used:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a black 3 ring binder, colorful scrapbook paper, sheet protectors, file/tab stickers, three hole punch, and card stock.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I divided my binder into 5 sections: Grades, Grading Info, Misc. School Info, Schedules, and Curriculum. I used different patterns of scrapbook paper in a sheet protector and tab stickers to mark each section. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>GRADES:</b> This is where I keep current grades. We use an online grading program, but its so much easier for me to write it down as I grade and then transfer it online later. Plus, then I have a copy of my grades if something should go wrong online (its been known to happen…) </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the link to the site </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">where I <a href="http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/teachingtools/stgradebook_WNQZF.pdf" target="_blank">print my gradebook pages</a>. I use little masking tape tabs to mark each class’s page. When a term is over I move these sheets to the <i>GRADING INFO</i> tab. (see below.)</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>GRADING INFO: </b> I create a new set of grade sheets for each term (or quarter - we’re on a block schedule so that’s our terminology) so I keep earlier terms under this tab, along with any other grading information, online grading tips, and a copy of our grading scale. I also have a large stock of blank grading pages so when the new term comes around, I just have to move them to the GRADING tab and begin.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">MISC. SCHOOL INFO: This is where class lists, committees, and a variety of other information goes. A lot of our info is now paperless, but if it is something important that I will refer to frequently, I will make a paper copy. We have a great internet connection, but there are still times when our wifi goes down and it helps to be prepared.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SCHEDULES: School calendar, Professional Development, lunch duty, hall duty, etc… You get the idea. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">CURRIC:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is where I put my weekly lesson plans <a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2014/08/weekly-lesson-plan-template.html" target="_blank">(as described here) </a>when the week is done. You could keep them here all of the time, but I like to have them on a separate clipboard during the week they are in use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also have a list of the projects we will be doing for each class. This just helps me as I plan ahead. Its a VERY working document, as I rearrange and substitute as needed due to time challenges, conflicts, class interests, etc. </span><br />
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The great thing about this binder is that it is simple, efficient, inexpensive and can be tailored to individual needs. I love having everything in one spot. I have a similar digital notebook on my Evernote account, but sometimes old school is just right! Happy Organizing!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-60387052635950803032014-11-20T16:00:00.000-06:002014-11-20T16:00:08.193-06:00Top 10 Things Art Teachers Can Be Thankful For!<div class="p1">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zf8k4R1pzg/VG5a2a5O1YI/AAAAAAAABDs/JJ0UIo_KCXM/s1600/van%2Bgogh%2Bquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Zf8k4R1pzg/VG5a2a5O1YI/AAAAAAAABDs/JJ0UIo_KCXM/s1600/van%2Bgogh%2Bquote.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is the season to be thankful! In honor of that… here is my list of the T</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">op 10 Things Art Teachers Can Be Thankful For (not necessarily in order):</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Getting to witness that breakthrough moment when a student understands a concept or skill or gets an awesome idea .</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 2. Watching students mentor each other as a natural part of classroom behavior.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 3. Those days when everyone in the class is completely into their project and working quietly as music plays peacefully in the background. This is NOT an every day thing…but when it happens, it is heaven. </span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 4. Seeing, hearing or reading something that gives you a new idea to try with your students - inspiration is the greatest feeling!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 5. Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members who get it! They understand that we’re not just playing in the Art room - we are using our brains in different and important ways that will help students succeed in the 21st century.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 6. Our Art students…even though we have to cajole, push, persuade, encourage and stand on our heads sometimes to get them to learn new things… the resulting confidence gained from these accomplishments is so worth it!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 7. Pinterest. Seriously. I taught for many years before Pinterest came into being. There is just not </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a better way to find ideas, get information and keep it all organized. Love it.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 8. Snow days and summer. This job is awes</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ome - but we definitely need to recharge and refresh to keep ourselves creative and inspired. Those little and bigger breaks sure help!</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> 9. Art room camaraderie. Building connections. Helping each other out. Multi-age fun. It all works in this atmosphere.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10. Chocolate. Just ask my students - they know me. I believe there are very few problems that chocolate cannot make a little better.</span></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6583759958799466773.post-77845160260684601202014-11-12T16:00:00.000-06:002014-11-12T16:00:03.135-06:00Update: One artwork a day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmhW8IHWsQc/VGOVutZ3ijI/AAAAAAAABDQ/MQcGZFaI7IU/s1600/one%2Bartwork%2Ba%2Bday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vmhW8IHWsQc/VGOVutZ3ijI/AAAAAAAABDQ/MQcGZFaI7IU/s640/one%2Bartwork%2Ba%2Bday.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">This week I'm just sharing a quick update of the </span><a href="http://thecreativelicense.blogspot.com/2014/09/challenge-artwork-day.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;" target="_blank">"one artwork a day" challenge </a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I gave myself at the start of the year. We are almost halfway through our second term and so far I have completed 58 small pieces. Some of them are true little works of art where I've found a new way to do something or made a little personal breakthrough...and others...are NOT and I think "UGH - I don't even want to put this up here!" </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw3NFODZeQs/VGOVuvc9lhI/AAAAAAAABDI/c8bferCVwSw/s1600/one%2Bartwork%2Ba%2Bday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fw3NFODZeQs/VGOVuvc9lhI/AAAAAAAABDI/c8bferCVwSw/s400/one%2Bartwork%2Ba%2Bday1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But we take the good with the bad and honor the process. The thought goes through my head, "How am I going to come up with 180 of these?" but I try not to listen too closely. One day at a time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy creating!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130683547751534847noreply@blogger.com0