Miss Art of Teaching

A little bit of inventiveness  I've been obsessed with: -Lettering -Creating clay jewellery -Making new shoe designs Check out my previous two DIY posts: DIY Teacher DIY Teacher Part 2

I have a bug! A creative bug attack. I've been learning to give myself some personal time to create. I enjoy being able to make something out of scratch. Last weekend, I made a number of hairbands and decorated a few canvas shoes. If you would like to read more about it, please head to: DIY Teacher I'm feeling a bit sick after the 3 day camp. Instead of forcing myself to mark, I made a polymer clay necklace, a pair of earrings and a couple keyring.

The back wall in my classroom is work in progress. One side is filled with 'Happy notes' from Year 7-11 students and t he other side is starting a completely new trend...memes by students. I love the DIY factor and how it is a group effort to make the wall look nicer.  I am also planning to start a mural when the Year 6 students come over for their art lessons. Every Tuesday afternoo n, the local primary school sends students over for lessons. I was quite excited to find a large black cloth while cleaning my room over the holidays. I am planning to create a mural with big wings on top of it. The inspiration is from 'The What Lifts You Campaign' by Kelsey Montague. Next project: Adaptations that I found online:

I have a friend who I love to bits. She is my mentor and the kindest soul on this planet. When she used to work with me, I would often wonder to myself...'What did I do to deserve such a genuine friend/coworker in my life?' She has truly lifted my wellbeing up from being at the rock bottom to becoming a passionate and hardworking teacher (mirroring her work ethics). Although she has now retired from her job after 24 years of service to the Department of Education, she still thinks of the students every day. She has made me a 'To do' journal and another handful of handmade letter sets and journals for students as 'reward prizes'. Above: My lovely journal. Above: Handmade letter sets. Each bundle contains 3 original designs. Above: More handmade journals. Every page is carefully put together. It is a scrapbook heaven. She prints each image herself. At times the artworks are designed and painted by this talented woman, other times she sea...

Work started yesterday for teachers. It was also my first time presenting during staff development day. I have never been so busy on the first day back. I was so busy that I didn't have time to be nervous which was a bonus! The presentation on 'Classroom Management' went smoothly and I am thankful for my coworker who joined me in presenting. We covered areas such as: 1. Minimise crowding and distraction. 2. Maximise structure and stability. 3. Positively stated expectations. 4. Give frequent acknowledgment. 5. Provide multiple opportunities to respond. 6. Actively engage students. 7. Actively supervise. 9. Encourage appropriate behaviours. 10. Discourage inappropriate behaviours. Making the presentation encouraged me to reflect on my own classroom management skills and look at new strategies to employ for 2017. I hope the rest of the staff took something away.  During the day I tried to fit in a photocopy run, catch up with people, speak to coworkers in regard...