Monday, March 29, 2010

The good outweighs the bad...

Things that make me smile at school:
  • "Do you want to be an artist when you grow up?" asked by a Kindergarten student
  • "I'm doing way better than I though I could!"
  • A teacher thanking me for "making art fun"- her daughter was so excited to show her how to paint with dried up markers and water after her art class last Friday!
  • Students who have heard me say "If you make a mistake, make it great" enough times that they repeat it to other students!
  • Appreciative/Supportive colleagues.
Things that get under my skin:
  • Student saying to my face, "This is boooor-ing," during a demonstration that would have already been over if I didn't have to stop and ask him to watch like the rest of the class
I had to make a list of good things to help me forget about the bad thing!

Bonus!  Things that make you go "hmmm"
  • Why does "listen up please" translate to "talk louder"? :)
  • Asked by one of my cooperating teachers during student teaching, Why do students put paper towels in the sink when there is a trash can right next to it?

5 comments:

  1. I can totally relate to this post! Thanks for sharing it. For one thing it is a good reminder to be thankful for those happy things that happen. And it is good to know that I'm not the only elementary art teacher who has students who think it is boring and don't pay attention.
    And I have paper towels in my sink too!

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  2. It is so nice to know that other art teachers have the same joys and aggravations that I do. I am borrowing your mistake quote! It is so simple and worded just right for a primary student to understand...all of mine were kind of cheesy. I've taught art for a long time and that has always been a stumbling block for me. Thanks for such a catchy saying!
    My solution for "booooring" is to very nicely say "then you can go and read(or copy from) art books while we do this and you will be the only one without a wonderful project. What a shame!" Usually works:-)

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  3. I'll have to try the go and read approach. It seems like my first graders that occasionally complain about something being boring are just trying to get attention from their classmates. It's just so silly because I know the demonstration isn't the most interesting part, but if the students would just watch and listen, we could get through it and to the "fun" part quickly!

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  4. I like to hear, "I couldn't wait for Tuesday to come! That's the day we have ART!"

    Your blog is great. Admire all first year teachers so much!
    Ginny
    www.wkeartsmarts.blogspot.com

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  5. I love to hear that art is their favorite special area!! So rewarding. And I love what you said about, "If you make a mistake, make it great!" Love it!!! I have been trying to come up with a good slogan for mistakes. That one seems so easy. Thank you for thinking of it.

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