This past week being back

So I've only been back for 4 days since my sickness and it's the thanksgiving holidays.  We managed to get quite a bit done thought! I'm going to have to start lining up the next round of instructional videos already! 

(Kindergarten is creating their "Only One You" Cut paper fish to the left)


 My 4th grade's been done their pumpkins where we learned about creating space and form in a picture and using values again to blend.  We are now creating prints using the changing properties of wax.  We observed the natural radial symmetry of snowflakes by looking at photographs of real snowflakes and the geometric shapes of the ice crystals.  They created their own unique snowflake and used cool or warm colors to color in around the white....BUT we colored on sandpaper! After they were finished, they brought their pieces up to me and I let them watch as I used an iron to melt the wax onto a black paper.  We will be pulling several prints, so I hope to take photos of more of the process next week - just wasn't up to it right now!

My first grade students are finally all finished their organic, symmetrical fall tree scenes!!  Got the labels and mats done JUST in time to leave today, so I can hang them next week. We are beginning out painted paper cactus pictures in a few of the classes already.

   Second grade is also doing a radial symmetry project with snowflakes. (Can you tell I had to make stuff for our Winter Wonderland show at Annapolis Mall?!)  We used block printing techniques though using foam printing plates and they are just starting their practice prints now. A few classes will start colored paper prints next week.

A few more of the 5th grade crayons - my poor friday class that's so behind everyone else!  They won't get to put the finishing touch of glaze on for another 2 weeks!!

Oh and this is Turkey-Tron. He apparently, according to my second grade friend, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

First Post! About Me

Hello art-lovers!!  :)  As my first post, I'm going to list a little bit about me and what I want to do with this blog!

Pre-K Lion Masks

I have been committed this past year or so to better documenting what goes on in my classroom, with my projects, and with my new management techniques. I figured I would try blogging about it to put everything in one place! I also flipped my classroom instruction this year and I may decide to share some of the videos here, haven't decided yet!  Kind shy about sharing that stuff....

I have another blog that's been running for years that is connected with my personal artwork and my side business:TheSilverSwann. I post sporadically MOSTLY because my full time job is being a teacher. If any of you art teachers out there are reading this, you know what I'm talking about when I say that there are just periods of time where my personal work takes the backseat.  I like to think I do a pretty good job keeping up with my artwork and exploration, though.

 

In many instances, it inspires me to create units based on things I am currently exploring or learning about myself!  I am a very firm believer that if you're not into the lesson you're teaching, your students won't be either.  You can plan all you want, but if you're not feeling the unit, switch it up!!!

                        

I am a lifelong learner. For the past few years after I finished my masters, I have been a part of a Lapidary Guild and I've taken smithing classes to further my knowledge of one of my main mediums: Metalworking.  I was trained in college and started creating and selling at shows. I like to evolve and learn different techniques! You can find  my work here: www.swanndesigns.com

I am essentially a stepmom to my boyfriend's two amazing girls who help me test out lessons I designed and awaken new ideas as I try to think of different, exciting experiences for them when they come to stay with us.

                   

I also need to give them credit for helping with my instructional videos for my students. They're such hams - love being movie stars.