One Word for the New Year

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. 

I like to start the new semester with a warm up project for all 7-12th grade students.  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.

 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 this video to give them word ideas.

 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.

I created a bulletin board with all of the finished works.

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?” 

Happy Creating!

Top 10 Things Art Teachers Can Be Thankful For!

It is the season to be thankful!  In honor of that… here is my list of the Top 10 Things Art Teachers Can Be Thankful For (not necessarily in order):

1. Getting to witness that breakthrough moment when a student understands a concept or skill or gets an awesome idea .

 2. Watching students mentor each other as a natural part of classroom behavior.

 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. 

 4. Seeing, hearing or reading something that gives you a new idea to try with your students - inspiration is the greatest feeling!

 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.

 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!

 7. Pinterest.  Seriously.  I taught for many years before Pinterest came into being.  There is just not a better way to find ideas, get information and keep it all organized. Love it.

 8. Snow days and summer.  This job is awesome - but we definitely need to recharge and refresh to keep ourselves creative and inspired.  Those little and bigger breaks sure help!

 9. Art room camaraderie.  Building connections. Helping each other out.  Multi-age fun.  It all works in this atmosphere.

10. Chocolate.  Just ask my students - they know me.  I believe there are very few problems that chocolate cannot make a little better.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fill your life with joy!

"Today I Live" Artwork