this is what we’ve been doing in our classroom sketchbooks…
i think drawing, labeling, writing is a good way to process learning so i’m trying to do more of this. i’m also working out how to get everyone started on larger sketchbook projects that they can then continue with independently in between other assignments. when i taught 5th grade, one of the other teachers on my grade level let her students knit in class. it was the coolest thing! they each had a bag of yarn, needles, and whatever they were working on at their desks. since i don’t know how to knit this won’t be happening in my class, but i sure think it’s a terrific idea.
someone sent me a box of art supplies that included stickers, keys, tape, ribbons, origami paper, and plenty more. as you can see the stickers and tape were very popular! i like having just the one box of supplies (plus a bit of decorative paper from home and the wishlist) to dig through. i don’t have much available storage space and so far the one box has everything we need!
these children are very clever and require much less modeling than in previous years. i’m using sort of a self-service approach when it comes to concepts that i’ve already introduced. i lay out the parameters – choose one of 4 pictures to sketch plus a key from the box, then i let them get started then i sit at a table and if they want they can come ask me questions or watch me work in my sketchbook. if they don’t understand something they come ask me for a demo and i show them. for example, this week many wanted to know how to make a flesh tone using their watercolors.
after they’ve done the “assignment”, they can work on a “free” page and do whatever they want. if you look at the black outlined tulip and the child drawing the bird, those are examples of 2 students doing their own thing on their “free” page.
this might not be interesting for those of you who aren’t classroom teachers, but i get a lot of questions about how i’m using the sketchbooks in the classroom. these posts are my way of answering those questions and they provide a record of our experiments. if you are a classroom teacher, keep in mind i have a fairly unstructured way of doing things. also keep in mind that my school allows us quite a bit of autonomy in how we structure our days.
here are a few things that are inspiring me lately outside of the classroom…
these ledger sketchbook pages from a french blogger (thanks diana for sending!)
Love, love,love to see the artwork of your students. So well done! And good on you for providing the opening of the magical doors of art and self-expression! You’re a wonderment Ms. Moss.
The French artist’s journal? Breathtaking. Loved the line work of the second artist’s journal. But the one that I loved was the last artist’s journal with the sketch of the red cat with the bubble, “I said NO!” Made me spew tea all over myself and my keyboard. I’d love to know the story/inspiration behind that one.
I’m not a classroom teacher but have worked in a classroom setting. I love your posts about your work with the wee ones best! It makes my heart happy in these dark days post election to see how these children are learning to think – even though they probably don’t know that! – and to express themselves artistically without hearing…oh that doesn’t look like a peach pit!! My 5th grade art failure was not getting the perspective ‘right’. pfffft.
btw, I still want to learn to knit and learned at a VA (Veterans Admin) workshop that anything done with two hands at the same time calms the brain because both hemispheres are being used at once. Our foremothers must have needed to shut down their worry with their knitting!
I love seeing their work. I think their paintings speak to the joy of making art without a lot of the garbage we, as artists, decide to entertain when we grow up. Of course, I’m not suggesting I’ve grown up. That would be silly. But how wonderful to be a student in one of your classes. You’re the sort of teacher who opens doors that open the world to some kids. I had one such teacher. Miss Sweeney. Never forgot her. And you inspire me to look at the world differently, too. Look in a better way.
i thank you and so does miss sweeney.
It’s such a joy to see the kids sketching and learning. What a fabulous and lasting experience for them.
Those creative fires you are igniting in them not only help them retain what they learn, some will surely keep sketching over the years. What a wonderful thing! Snowing here and lots more to come!
need.
snow.
now.
Oh my goodness, those paintings on the ledger paper!!! Luscious!
I’m using art journaling in my classes with English language learners. They’re all special ed kids, so we use the standards for listening and speaking ; they’re listening to instructions and following the directions. Also, they’re learning to ask questions and listen to the answers I think it’s academic if you phrase it so the administators can clearly see the connection to the standards. Miss Moss, you are an inspiration to all of us! Thank you so much!
art journaling as a conduit to english acquisition. sounds excellent to me!
MaryAnn, you are also gifting these young learns with CONFIDENCE & Courage to venture into an area they never expected to thrive in! This great skill will be called upon so many times in their working careers.
I read some of the recent comments about knitting/crochet. I definitely think these skills would be wonderful, too. You could have the children make granny squares…..and then afgans for a local shelter/fire dept/etc. My mother learned to knit in 1st grade @ 4, 1940…my mother-in-law & sisters went to Woodstock Boarding School in Kashmir, India 10 month/year beginning at age 4, 1930 and one of my brothers was an exchange student in Norway, 1978….anyone who knit did so all through classes that were mainly lectures….and there was no talking/passing notes…..just good behavior. Please let me if there is a collection call, I do not want to miss my chance.
Holly
Such wonderful things are happening in your classroom–not just learning fats but establishing for some a lifelong journaling habit!! Wonderful
Amazing work!!! I think the best part of the whole thing is it stimulates creativity and a can do attitude! Something that will stay with them for life.
Wow! Such charming work! They are so talented and I’m sure they think you are wonderful for teaching them to paint like this.
I’m so happy you are liking the French blog. I’ve have got so much joy from your blog that it makes me feel great that I can give a little back. I sure wish you were my kids teacher. Although my 2 girls have learned alot from your sketkchbook art by watching me learn from you.
hey thanks diana. i do do do love her gouache paintings on the ledger paper. so very fab!
You are lucky. Some schools/districts are scripted…b
the art of teaching requires one to find ways around moronic rules no matter what district or school one finds themselves in…
As I was scrolling through, I kept thinking how much those kids are learning about botany and how much better they’ll retain that information than if it was just presented in a lecture with a few handouts. Plus, they’re learning to actually see things and think critically, recognizing differences and similarities. Plus, of course, they get to learn art. Okay, enough of teacher-me. I love their drawings, but, really, my favorite photos are the ones with their hands. So beautiful, those hands.
These kids are such artists! Very clear that those are cedar waxwings eating the seeds! Just amazing inspiring kiddos. Just a thought MAM, but crocheting is easier than knitting – You know how to crochet the rock covers, no? Big crochet hooks and fat yarn would make it fun and easy – I would donate the hooks and yarn if you have a mind to do it. Just lemme know. xxoo
Hi Mary Ann. I love what you are doing with the kids in your class. Some of them are pretty good at art. It’s great that you have flexibility at the school. It goes well with being an artist-teacher!