Miss Art of Teaching

I really enjoy my classes this year. I've been enjoying my classes ever since being a full-time Visual Arts teacher. I have experience in teaching TAS (Technological Applied Studies) subjects but have always had a soft spot for Art. Above: Year 9/10 students have been working on developing their artworks with a focus on 'Environmental Issues'.  Above: I find the students are trying more and willing to experiment. Perhaps my 'Donut Give Up!' sign is working :P Above: I started using my classroom management signs today. I am definitely the crazy art teacher! Above: seems like a few teachers are interested :) I am also thinking of making my own signs in the future after my purchase one dies from wear and tear.

I've had a really good week with my classes. I enjoyed knowing my students more and being able to teach my content with little disturbance. I hoped they enjoyed their time in the art classroom. Throughout this week I focused on understanding the ALARM matrix, getting out my Year 11 theory assessment task, making my students aware of their time management and productivity during class time, assisting Year 7 with their self-portrait drawings and decorating my classroom. During the week I also focused on looking for more prizes for the school rewards system: Vivo miles. I posted on different Facebook groups and had one response from a gentleman who works for Eckersley. He is offering art supplies and free medium workshops. I also promoted new prizes on assembly, through the school Facebook page and through student's notices. Students are snapping up raffle tickets to build a higher chance of winning a double pass to our local wildlife park. On the side, I am still activ...

Tomorrow is Valentine's day, so I decided to attach a few signs outside my room. The signs are from Woolworths. Tomorrow, is also the first year where I have told my partner that no monetary gifts are to be given. This means a lot of DIY. We are trying to cut back on our spending. Above: Close up of the signs.  Above: My staffroom computer has broken down -monitor does not work and the whole computer needs re-imaging. Hence, I have been either using my co-worker's computer or been doing things that does not require the computer/printer. I decided to cut out words today 'DONUT GIVE UP'. I'm a bit sad that I didn't make the sprinkles more obvious. Above: The pink side has positive notes left by students from 2016. Words of appreciation. Above: I used the coin chart today. It worked really well with one class and not so well with another class. Need to test it out more. Above: My happy area. I organised a Year 7 Team mee...

My demountable is right next to the school hall. I was thinking of what motivational quote could be nice for both my classroom (before students walk in) and for students who often walk pass to enter the school hall for exams. I used the DIY blank paper bunting from Typo along with posca markers to make the simple buntings design. I plan to laminate each triangle since it needs to hang outside my classroom door area. Above: My dog being helpful. Above: Bought the DIY Kraft paper bunting on sale from Typo. This morning I also created simple signs 'suggestions' and 'kudos' to attach to my two gold spray painted tins in my classroom. I want students to have the option of leaving confidential notes to either say thank you or to express their concerns or suggestions. Above: Freshly laminated. Needs to be cut out.

I missed a post yesterday as I was at a wedding. I did manage to do a bit of work in between the ceremony and reception time. Here is the result from a couple of hours: Above: I cut out numbers and wrote an instruction sheet on how to use the 'iHelp' classroom distributor poster. Purpose of activity: Students will be assigned with a number from the start of the year. Random numbers will be taken out and attached to the app icons to distribute classroom jobs. Explanation of each classroom job is explained on the 'iHelp' poster. The numbers will be attached by Velcro. All items laminated to prolong its life. Hopefully, this helps students to take ownership and responsibility of the classroom. Also gives a sense of teamwork. Above: Back wall decoration with instructions. Above: Continuing my kindness theme for this year.  Above:  A simple laminated 'room changes' poster. It will be attached to the outside of the class...