Just another day in the artroom

It definitely takes alot to handle the chaos of the art room.  For example today in 5th grade we had 3-4 projects going.  Job number one for students was to finish their Doodles for Google.

Then they were practicing watercolor painting for next weeks still life project.

And finally, a few were finishing their oil spill color "wheel" projects or

working on their self-directed projects.

It is no wonder why my room looks like it does at the end of day or why I am so tired. 

However, I wouldn't trade any of it for anything... 

Seeing my students create is so worth it!

Bad Sub Report... Ugh!

You know that dreaded feeling when you return to a bad sub report.... that is what greeted me yesterday.  Lots of "misbehavior" reports.  So then you wonder if the sub forgot they were in an artroom where kids have a little more movement or if your kids really did misbehave that much. 

I checked in with some honest, trustworthy kids and sadly they reported that the classes were not on their best behavior.  I leave for maternity leave in 5 weeks and I really expect more from my classes than that!  Now I have to wait a whole week to talk to the kids about their choices.  Just makes me sad.

Sick Days...

One of the "joys" of juggling parenting and being an art educator is handling that unforeseen holler in the middle of the night that means only one thing... someone is getting sick.  That always leads to my least favorite thing:  Sub Plans.  I am lucky that my day is structured where I teach 2 classes, 3 times each but trying to explain to someone else what you expect, what my students need to learn and how the classroom functions is tough.  It always helps to have my lesson plans ready and a sub plan outline on file but it still takes almost an hour.  The struggle between my kids at home and my kids at school is something I will just have to accept.

What a Weekend!

This weekend I was blessed to take a small family trip to visit one of my dearest friends, Miss Sarah Davis.  She and I graduated from the Wayne State on the same day with the same degree and then returned to our respective hometowns to teach art and marry the boys the of our dreams.  Now, we both have 3 kids and work hard to try and juggle our crazy lives.  We don't get together nearly enough but I so enjoy the time we do.  I truly appreciate how she understands the delicate balance of creating, teaching and enjoying the family side of life.  We talked about lesson plans that work, grading rules and procedures, dirty diapers and how to effectively discipline 2 year olds (our own... not our students). 

Weekends like this help make you take the time to be grateful... for your family, for your friends, for the memories of the past and for the laughs shared today.  Hope you had a great weekend!

Blog Exploration

So I have just spent an entire "plan period" exploring other people's blogs.  WOW!  There are a TON of super talented and inspiring people out there.  I teach "alone" in my building and as only one of 6 art educators in my entire district.  I have always enjoyed attending the National Art Education Convention and reconnecting with other art teachers.  I am quickly discovering that Blogs are a great way to feel that connection to Art Education all year long, not just at convention.  Thank you to everyone out there who maintains such awesome and inspiring blogs. 

Have a great weekend... I know that I am going to have fun exploring.   Jen 

Blog Attempt #1

Our district is working toward a digital curriculum and some of us have been asked to dip our toes into the Giant Ocean of Technology... so here I go. 

I have been a huge fan of my powerpoints, smartboard, digital camera, artsonia, etc but there is so much more out there.  Beginning this voyage is both scary and exciting.  This blog is my attempt to document my "digital conversion."  I hope you forgive me anytime I get off course.

Jen