Question #1:
Which artist created this artwork "Campbell's Soup I "?
Monday, July 29, 2013
Question Chain
Taking an idea from Tom Barrett's list of post for blogging in the classroom I decided to create a question chain. A question chain is a great way to start a discussion and create a forum for students to share ideas on a topic covered in the classroom. This post would work with any content area and starts by the teacher asking a question on the classroom blog. The first student answers the teacher's question and then poses a new question. The second student answers that question and poses a third question, and so on and so forth. Questions cannot be repeated and credit will only be given for correct answers. Please join my question chain- the topic is art!
Question #1:
Question #1:
Interesting Ideas for Classroom Blog Posts
- 64 Interesting Ideas for Class Blog Posts
- 101+ Blog Post Ideas
- 30 Ideas for Blog posts when your Mind has Drawn a Blank
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Chuck Close on Color (audio)
Ok, I finally figured out how to add audio files to my blogger page! This is my first time using SoundCloud and I really found a lot of neat things on there. I chose to stick with my theme of Chuck close for this audio file as he explains color choices in his paintings.
Monday, July 22, 2013
What is your preferred digital art software?
Digital painting and drawing is an emerging art form in which traditional painting techniques such as watercolor, oils, impasto, etc. are applied using digital tools by means of a computer and software. These graphics programs offer a virtual canvas and painting box with a large amount of brushes, colors and other supplies. The box contains many instruments that do not exist outside the computer. This medium gives a digital artwork a different look and feel from an artwork that is made the traditional way.
What is your preferred digital art software?
A word from Chuck Close
One of the best things about studying a modern artist like Chuck Close
is that you get to hear from that artist himself. Here is a video from
the San Fransisco Museum of Modern Art in which Chuck explains why he
follows a grid.
New Art Room Decor
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Examining Generational Differences
When examining generational differences through the class readings I found the concepts especially interesting in how they related so well to my own particular ideas on the digital divide. I see the work by Marc Prensky "Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants - Part II" to serve a a valid emerging theory to understand the 21st Century Learner. I think that while his theory has some convincing points, his theory is lacking in evidence that supports his claims. After reading "Digital Nativism Digital Delusions and Digital Deprivation" by Jamie McKenzie, I see there are several aspects to Prensky's theory which are heavily opinion based. However, I also found the writings of McKenzie to be as equally biased in his own favor. Neither of the two writing seem to be written at a scholarly level in my opinion. I felt there was a level of animosity between the two that I became distracted by instead of focusing on the arguments of either side.
Although I am instructed not to 'buy in' to this silly 'notion' of generational differences effecting how the learners learn and how educators design instruction, I cannot help but uphold my own opinion. Of course I believe the context and environment in which a child grows up will effect the way they view, interact, and learn from this world. Yes, I feel that whether the input of a child's experiences is technology, human interaction, or any other environmental factor, it is going to effect the way the child learns and grows to understand the world around them. I do not however, 'buy in' to every word of either author Prensky or McKenzie.
We are all products of our environment, and without getting into extensive debates over the Nature v.s. Nurture theories, the input of stimulus to our senses are what program our existence from birth. This concept is valid through several studies which have been conducted on touch sensory deprivation of infants and how that effects a child's ability to soothe. This concept of a child's interactions effecting how they learn has been proven through studies on muscle memory and the necessity of manual manipulation of materials for the full development of our individual brains. I do not agree with Prensky's notion of "fun v.s. boring" learning, however I will conclude that the environment a child (or entire generation) grows up in, whether influenced by heavy use of technology, or other environmental factors will change they way they learn.
In response to the question: How would you handle a colleague who bought into the notion of digital natives?
I would not expect my colleague to have the same opinion as me. I would share my thoughts on the topic, and suggest that my colleague read the articles for themselves, and develop the their own ideas on the notion of Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants.
Although I am instructed not to 'buy in' to this silly 'notion' of generational differences effecting how the learners learn and how educators design instruction, I cannot help but uphold my own opinion. Of course I believe the context and environment in which a child grows up will effect the way they view, interact, and learn from this world. Yes, I feel that whether the input of a child's experiences is technology, human interaction, or any other environmental factor, it is going to effect the way the child learns and grows to understand the world around them. I do not however, 'buy in' to every word of either author Prensky or McKenzie.
We are all products of our environment, and without getting into extensive debates over the Nature v.s. Nurture theories, the input of stimulus to our senses are what program our existence from birth. This concept is valid through several studies which have been conducted on touch sensory deprivation of infants and how that effects a child's ability to soothe. This concept of a child's interactions effecting how they learn has been proven through studies on muscle memory and the necessity of manual manipulation of materials for the full development of our individual brains. I do not agree with Prensky's notion of "fun v.s. boring" learning, however I will conclude that the environment a child (or entire generation) grows up in, whether influenced by heavy use of technology, or other environmental factors will change they way they learn.
In response to the question: How would you handle a colleague who bought into the notion of digital natives?
I would not expect my colleague to have the same opinion as me. I would share my thoughts on the topic, and suggest that my colleague read the articles for themselves, and develop the their own ideas on the notion of Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Guest Blogger - Ted Edinger from "Art with Mr. E"
This is a guest post is contributed by Ted Edinger the creator of the 2012- 2nd place Art Ed Blog of the year "Art with Mr. E". Ted was named the 2011-2012 Tennessee State Elementary Art Teacher of the Year by TAEA and has been a huge influence in my teaching and decision to start blogging. As a new teacher I stumbled across Mr. E's blog three years ago and have been a big fan ever since. Art with Mr. E is an excellent resource for new and veteran teachers alike and for all things elementary art. I definitely aspire to take my blog to this level someday- Enjoy!
I went out on a limb and contacted Ted asking him to write a post
that addresses why you blog and how you use your blog as an elementary
art teacher? I am privileged to present his response.
A Post from Mr. E from Art With Mr. E
Art
With Mr. E was "birthed" in 2008. I was encouraged to create my blog
by a professor at the start of my masters degree. He told me that I was
an expert in my field, and I needed to share that knowledge with
others. I'm not so sure about the expert part, but I love sharing,
encouraging, challenging, and communicating. A blog seemed like a
wonderful tool to connect with other art educators and those interested
in children's art. It is so much more than a place for me to post
pictures of my students' work, organizational ideas, and tips. This
past year I was able to go to the National Art Education Convention in
Fort Worth,TX . There I came face to face with my readers. I was
surprised by how many people recognized me from my blog, and came up to
speak to me. I spent many hours talking with "fans", and hearing their
stories of how Art With Mr. E was making a difference in their
teaching....and in their lives. One woman came up to me crying. She
said "I heard you were hear, and had to meet you! You helped me get
through a very rough time in my career with your posts. I felt like I
wasn't alone." I left that conversation with tears in my eyes, humbled
by the idea that my silly little blog was having such an impact. I
often picture myself as just a guy from the hills of Appalachia...son of
a coal miner....from a town of only 70 people. How can I have reach
so many?!?!?! There is power in blogging. I approach it like I
approach my life...I was put here for a purpose, and in everything I
do...I need to do it with all that I am(the good, the bad, and the
ugly). Even an art education blog can make a difference when it is done
with purpose & passion.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
The internet is just a fad, probably....
Growing up in the 90's Internet generation I will always have a special place in my heart for some of the quintessential aspects of technology in my childhood. A walk down memory lane takes me back to the days of Kid Pix, the game Oregon Trail, Number Munchers, making up a cheesy and ridiculous email addresses (that no one should have to repeat), and of course the glorious sound of dial-up internet connecting...Ah!
You're welcome.
I have really taken for granted the learning curve my parents and grandparents generation has had to overcome in order to keep up with technology in today's world. I've know some older people who have fully embraced technology as a tool for making their everyday life easier, some who have drug their feet working with technology as little as required for their job, and still there are some people who have refused to work with technology all together, hoping it just goes away.
Here is my unofficial case study on the rejection or acceptance of computer use by people in their 50's and older. My grandparents, age 75+ have really impressed me with their eagerness to embrace technology as a tool of efficiency and social connection in their life. My grandparents have e-mail, a laptop, Kindle Fire, Facebook and Pinterest accounts, and have been using Amazon for online shopping for the last few years. They are both eager to learn new things and really seem to enjoy their technology independence.
My Dad, who is age 60, is taking a less pro-active role in technology in that he only uses what he as to. His greatest feat thus far is getting an iPhone and learning to text and check the weather. My dad is technology dependent because he relies on my step-mom to update him on Facebook happenings, email, and any online shopping he is interested in.
On the extreme end of the digital divide are my mother and father in-law, age 55. My husband's parents have not owned a computer until we recently purchased one for them last Christmas, they do not text or own a smart phone, and refuse to use a DVR for recording t.v. shows. I have worked with my mother in-law, Carol to help her create a Facebook and email account, and even tried to entice her crafty side with Pinterest and recipes. She has yet to post a coherent status update or send an email.
Carol has made a couple attempts to use her computer and runs into problems. I frequently get calls from her that her computer is crashed, which usually means the router needs reset or she has the caps lock on when she is entering her passwords. She is very hesitant to use or learn more about technology because up to this point she has not been very successful, she often says, "I am too old and dumb to understand that stuff!" I always remind her that my grandparents are 20 years her senior and still learning! Carol is however leaps and bounds beyond my father in-law, Jerry. He has zero interest in the internet or computers, I have never seen him go near one before.
Carol has recently enrolled in her first college class to acquire basic computer skills. I had no idea of the lack of knowledge she had until I tried to help her with her homework. Most of her coursework is completing step-by-step modules out of her text book. She is at a basic level and struggling to copy and past items. She is working on learning how to open folders and create new files. Helping her was such a profound realization of all the basic computer skills I take for granted.
My nephew who is in first grade this year can open any device weather it be an iPad or Windows computer, or gaming council, and create accounts, send pictures, access internet, and type with decent skill. Having only one year of formal training through kindergarten technology classes, I am amazed with the ease he and other kids are able to acquire up these skills. They are exposed to technology at such a young age it is natural to them and becomes, in a sense, a second language.
Some of the things that really get me wondering is at what point will I cross that digital divide where technology passes me by? Where will we be with technology in another 30 years?
You're welcome.
I have really taken for granted the learning curve my parents and grandparents generation has had to overcome in order to keep up with technology in today's world. I've know some older people who have fully embraced technology as a tool for making their everyday life easier, some who have drug their feet working with technology as little as required for their job, and still there are some people who have refused to work with technology all together, hoping it just goes away.
Here is my unofficial case study on the rejection or acceptance of computer use by people in their 50's and older. My grandparents, age 75+ have really impressed me with their eagerness to embrace technology as a tool of efficiency and social connection in their life. My grandparents have e-mail, a laptop, Kindle Fire, Facebook and Pinterest accounts, and have been using Amazon for online shopping for the last few years. They are both eager to learn new things and really seem to enjoy their technology independence.
My Dad, who is age 60, is taking a less pro-active role in technology in that he only uses what he as to. His greatest feat thus far is getting an iPhone and learning to text and check the weather. My dad is technology dependent because he relies on my step-mom to update him on Facebook happenings, email, and any online shopping he is interested in.
On the extreme end of the digital divide are my mother and father in-law, age 55. My husband's parents have not owned a computer until we recently purchased one for them last Christmas, they do not text or own a smart phone, and refuse to use a DVR for recording t.v. shows. I have worked with my mother in-law, Carol to help her create a Facebook and email account, and even tried to entice her crafty side with Pinterest and recipes. She has yet to post a coherent status update or send an email.
Carol has made a couple attempts to use her computer and runs into problems. I frequently get calls from her that her computer is crashed, which usually means the router needs reset or she has the caps lock on when she is entering her passwords. She is very hesitant to use or learn more about technology because up to this point she has not been very successful, she often says, "I am too old and dumb to understand that stuff!" I always remind her that my grandparents are 20 years her senior and still learning! Carol is however leaps and bounds beyond my father in-law, Jerry. He has zero interest in the internet or computers, I have never seen him go near one before.
Carol has recently enrolled in her first college class to acquire basic computer skills. I had no idea of the lack of knowledge she had until I tried to help her with her homework. Most of her coursework is completing step-by-step modules out of her text book. She is at a basic level and struggling to copy and past items. She is working on learning how to open folders and create new files. Helping her was such a profound realization of all the basic computer skills I take for granted.
My nephew who is in first grade this year can open any device weather it be an iPad or Windows computer, or gaming council, and create accounts, send pictures, access internet, and type with decent skill. Having only one year of formal training through kindergarten technology classes, I am amazed with the ease he and other kids are able to acquire up these skills. They are exposed to technology at such a young age it is natural to them and becomes, in a sense, a second language.
Some of the things that really get me wondering is at what point will I cross that digital divide where technology passes me by? Where will we be with technology in another 30 years?
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Art Education = I need more money $$
So, I filled out my order requisitions for next year's art supplies in April, as I was instructed to do by our secretary. I come to find out the second week of June that I need to make around $500 in cuts to the orders I have already submitted. And then, because my order is over $750, I am required to submit a bid from a second vendor. I need to look up all of the 250+ items I order and create a second requisition... Art teacher problems!
Many art programs are experiencing budget cuts and I hate to complain because my school district really does support the arts as best as they can. So now I am brainstorming to come up with ideas that I can use to supplement my budget. With a quick Google search I found a few resources for grand applications and fundraising.
National Endowment for the Arts: Apply for Grants
Square1 Art Fundraiser
Art to Remember Fundraiser
Donors Choose Grants
Wyoming Arts Council Grants
Have any of you readers ever used any of these means to raise fund for art room supplies? Any advice or warning to the wise for me?
Many art programs are experiencing budget cuts and I hate to complain because my school district really does support the arts as best as they can. So now I am brainstorming to come up with ideas that I can use to supplement my budget. With a quick Google search I found a few resources for grand applications and fundraising.
National Endowment for the Arts: Apply for Grants
Square1 Art Fundraiser
Art to Remember Fundraiser
Donors Choose Grants
Wyoming Arts Council Grants
Have any of you readers ever used any of these means to raise fund for art room supplies? Any advice or warning to the wise for me?
Online Art Lessons for Next Year
In order to keep my classroom content fresh and my students motivated, I try to come up with new and exciting projects to incorporate each year. Thinking of new ideas and concepts to try with my students can at times be a struggle, thank you internet! Here is a list of my top finds for art lessons from the web. I have not done these projects yet but this is the challenge to myself for the next school year. So excited!
Salvador Dali Elephants and Surrealistic Creatures
This is a step by step lesson on creating Salvador Dali's surrealists elephants. It is a great resource because it includes step by step pictures, drawing instructions, and introductory video, and material tips.Grade level: 4th-6thMaterials:12x18 drawing paper, pencils, marker, chalk pastel.Source: Blog- smART Class
![[elephants12[3].jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I50udHUnIRLw_NxTsRJp5uIpIGDu5MAanjS0GtQ2k6Dg-yPsQ0tPmAXizs7Qbk5Zu5rrZa_-_PfeO93H4UaylB7JXWtyk7CiUQIQsdfZ52BdLGu1xVSItrSSMlWyhjagJmKx11BKnjE/s1600/elephants12%5B3%5D.jpg)
We all scream for ICE CREAM!!!
Wayne Thiebaud inspired paper mache ice cream cones. Use crumpled up newspaper and cone shaped cups for the bottom. Kids will be excited to create the most delicious, realistic looking, and the tallest ice cream cones. This lesson is sweet!Grade Level: 4th-6thMaterials: News paper, masking tape, cone cups, tempera paint, glue.Source: Blog- There's a Dragon in my Art Room
2nd Grade Cat in the Hats
This is a fun lesson for kids to create in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday. The students would turn themselves into a cat in the hat.
Grade Level: 2nd Grade
Materials: Long piece of drawing paper, black and white printed photo of students, tempera paint, crayon, marker, glue.
Source: Georgetown Elementary Art Blog
Foundation Wire
Drawing in line.. with wire. I am so excited to try this lesson and have kids focus on creating a drawing using only conture lines. The instructions are pretty skimpy on this resource but I think there are a lot of possibilities. It does include project examples, a video, and resource links to related artists.
Grade Level: 6th
Materials: 12 x 18 Black construction paper, wire, photograph, adhesive
Source: Online Artroom
Picasso Portraits
Step by step directions fro drawing a portrait of Picasso's dear Dora Maar
Grade Level: 1st- 2nd
Materials: 12″ x 18″ white paper, black oil pastel, tempera paints, black tempera paint
Source: Blog- Deep Space Sparkle
-
Art Education Links
Having completed my 3rd year teaching elementary art I find myself relying heavily on internet resources. I wonder how did people share teaching ideas, lesson plan ideas, and everything from classroom organization and management before the internet??? I can not image it.
My first years in teaching were successful in part due to my fellow art teachers' blogs and the wealth of resources I found online. Here are links to my most visited art education links:
A community of teachers, scholars, researchers, students, and artists come together around a shared belief in the power of the arts in developing human potential.
Art Teacher Blog - Adventures of an Art Teacher
This blog is by a 4th year teacher in Kansas who chronicles the highs and lows of what is happening in her classroom
My first years in teaching were successful in part due to my fellow art teachers' blogs and the wealth of resources I found online. Here are links to my most visited art education links:
Elementary Art - Pinterest
Pinterest is basically art teacher Mecca. Every idea and resource organized and available right at your findertips. I find things on here that I never knew I was looking for.Elementary Art Teacher Blog of the Year - Art With Mr. E
Mr. E has a blog that I aspire to create one day. Very organized with new and interesting posts.Art Teacher Blog - Experiments in Art Educations
This blog features art lesson that include pictures and descriptions for the complete process of the project, great for ideas and also showcasing student work.Art Advocacy - National Art Education Association
A community of teachers, scholars, researchers, students, and artists come together around a shared belief in the power of the arts in developing human potential.
Art Institute of Chicago - Curious Corner for Kids!
One of my favorite museum pages which includes awesome and FREE resources for kids to play and explore art.Art Teacher Blog - Adventures of an Art Teacher
This blog is by a 4th year teacher in Kansas who chronicles the highs and lows of what is happening in her classroom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)