Miss Art of Teaching

Every year we start off with a self-portrait unit with the Year 7 students. I decided to spice things up and take Snapchat selfies of my students. We used the dog filter on Snapchat as it still allowed a reasonable amount of realism to be portrayed in their artworks. I teach 3 x Year 7 classes. Instructions. 1. Take individual photos of students using the dog filter on Snapchat. 2. Print out the photos as A4.  3. Create a grid for students. Photocopy a class set. 4. Using the same grid, photocopy it onto overhead sheets. Make a class set.  5. Attach the overhead sheet over the photo. 6. Show students how to use the grid system. I like to start from the nose. I always print out an example and attach it onto my whiteboard and show them how to follow the grid system. A great artist to introduce is Chuck Close. He uses the grid system in his work.  If students have trouble following the grid system, make them a view finder so they can isolate th...

I had a terrific day meeting new students. There were a lot of new names to learn but it helped by repeating their names and assigning them with a 'number' for the iHelp chart (classroom job distributor). I also encouraged class discussions by pulling out their names, which I had written on paddle pop sticks.  I am so glad to have made some very positive relationships with a number of students last year. Today, I asked two year 12 students to help me put up the 'Happy Notes' backdrop. They are students who I have always stop to have a chat but don't actually teach them for any subjects. Sometimes moments like these make it even more special. I appreciate the time that I get (if I do get it) to speak to students in the morning. A simple wave and hello helps to brighten up their morning. Bribing them with Vivos (School virtual rewards system) also work! Above: Happy notes wall. Need to fill up the back wall with more Art related posters. I didn't actu...