include the realization that tomorrow's art lesson called for 6-inch squares of paper, not 4-inch squares. Wrestled with the library's gargantuan and squeaky paper cutter late this afternoon, busily chopping out 3.5-inch squares. Did 3.5 inches because I was trying to economize on the watercolor paper, which was a bit dear at Fisher.
Gah.
Options? Wake up earlier than usual : O and wrestle with the paper cutter again. (Not what I want to do the first morning we kick off testing.)
Or, we can wing it and use the 3.5 inch squares. ...
Oh, and did I mention that I think I'm starting to lose my voice?
The excitement does not stop around here.
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
taking the boring out of book reports
I want the students to start doing book reports, but I wanted to experiment with formats that play on student strengths while still forcing (ahem, I mean requiring) them to display their understanding of the book. After generating a list of creative ideas, I ran it by my language-arts mentor, who suggested teaching each idea, then setting the kids loose.
This semester I focused on movie posters. First, we looked at actual movie posters, discussing key elements and why they are created. Students broke into groups to analyze a poster in detail. Then, we talked about the book "Maui and his Magical Deeds" and what genre it would fit into. (We decided it would make a great action movie). After laboriously collecting numerous copies of "Maui" from various public libraries, I had student trios use the books to sketch out their movie posters. (Note to self: it's harder to do this with a book that is a) out of print and b) not in your school library).
I was truly impressed with some of the work generated. While most students took a straightforward approach, I had a few whose design showed a great understanding of the book and an ability to convey these ideas in a visually appealing way. I was also impressed with the composition of some designs. I hope to make an after-school run tomorrow to pick up some nice paper for the students to use for their finalized posters. It will be a good activity for Thursday, when the kids will already be thinking about vacation and not inclined to do any heavy work. ...
This semester I focused on movie posters. First, we looked at actual movie posters, discussing key elements and why they are created. Students broke into groups to analyze a poster in detail. Then, we talked about the book "Maui and his Magical Deeds" and what genre it would fit into. (We decided it would make a great action movie). After laboriously collecting numerous copies of "Maui" from various public libraries, I had student trios use the books to sketch out their movie posters. (Note to self: it's harder to do this with a book that is a) out of print and b) not in your school library).
I was truly impressed with some of the work generated. While most students took a straightforward approach, I had a few whose design showed a great understanding of the book and an ability to convey these ideas in a visually appealing way. I was also impressed with the composition of some designs. I hope to make an after-school run tomorrow to pick up some nice paper for the students to use for their finalized posters. It will be a good activity for Thursday, when the kids will already be thinking about vacation and not inclined to do any heavy work. ...
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