State Coin Project

Way back in February I posted a lesson with 3rd grade students where they create a coin based on a personal representation using metal tooling foil.  I have never posted some of the finished projects.  Here are a few of the student works.

Connecting to the Common Core Training

Day 1 of the county wide training today at MCLA.  The highlight is always meeting with like-minded people with a common goal.  For our studio activity, we began to create a book.  Since our focus is connecting to ELA in the arts, a book seemed appropriate. Here is my little book.  I'm not sure how I will be filling it.   Ah, the possibilities!  The second photo is a great little cartoon I discovered in one of   the magazines.     I'll make a poster for my classroom out of this one!

"See Son, that's what happens when you
don't wash properly"

AOE Convention

WOW!   What a day.  So much information and new ideas and brain overload!   I am so inspired in so many ways.  I now know how to take those wonderful art videos off of you-tube and use them in the Art Room.  I have a full list of I-pad apps to explore and learn.  Thank goodness summer has only begun...I have so much to do!

AOE Convention tomorrow!

Starts tomorrow!  I'll be sitting by my computer to connect with presenters from the blogging and professional art world.  I can't wait!

Cartooning and books on the last day of school

It's impossible to really introduce a new lesson in the final week of school so I traditionally turn to cartooning videos to end the year with a fun activity.  This was the last day of school.  I only had Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students.   In Kindergarten, we read and discussed the book One by Kathryn Otoshi.  This is a fabulous book about using your voice and peer interactions.  Written very simply, even the youngest student understands the message of speaking up for yourself.  My students love the book and in some classes, begged to read it twice.  On the second reading, they chimed in as I read.

2nd graders enjoyed the Veggie Tales Video How to Draw.  Here are a few pictures of them happily at work creating Bob the tomato and Ms Blueberry.

First grade students drew along with Ed Emberley's Squiggles, Dots, and Lines.  My copy included an instructional and promotional handout.   I always photocopy it for the students to follow along with.  It is a challenge for them to keep up with the video.

So that concludes yet another school year.   The end is always bittersweet but I have to admit, I was really ready for a break.  Hope you are enjoying a much earned summer vacation  as well!

First day of summer

Last day of school!   Half day today.  I'll only be seeing three classes,  a delightful group of kindergarten students, 1st graders and 2nd graders.   Can't believe another year has sped by.   I always feel like there was so much more I wanted to cover and where did the time go!
Hoping to purge some old files while I pack up for the summer.  I will be participating in the Art of Education on-line convention next week and a professional development addressing the new Common Core.   Only other big goal for the summer is figuring out how to finally get my studio and hook up that kiln or ...... sell off the equipment and move on.

Tee Hee! Sounds toooo much like me