Monday, August 5, 2013

Back to School

Tomorrow I head back to school leaving my babies (well, baby and toddler) at home. Never easy to do but at least since being a SAHM is not an option, I know that I'm going to a job that matters and that I truly enjoy.

A couple of weeks ago I spent a little time at school in my new room. Whenever I move into a new classroom, there's a period of standing around trying to get a feel for the room and figure out how to set it up. I think I at least got that out of the way! I left a map for the head custodian who said he and a couple helpers could move the furniture for me. I'm super thankful because I can't move half the furniture on my own. Hopefully when I get some work time in my classroom later this week, I can just focus on putting away supplies and setting up displays.

When I was at school, I also cleaned out my mailbox since I started maternity leave early and missed the last week of school. I found a few things in it that made me smile! First, a "Jaggie" award from the end of year staff party. I received the "Ms. Go Green Award for helping us save the planet" i.e. pestering students and staff about recycling.

The next thing I found was a card made by a mystery first grader who forgot to sign it. The card read:
I love art. I think this sumer I should do some. I think I'll to you when I'm in sence 2 grade. I hope that your baby will be hellthey. Why why do you Why are you switching rooms? Is it cause you need more room? I'll miss you. :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(*
*Please note that the frowning faces were going every different direction on the real card for dramatic effect.

Engaging Learners Through Artmaking: Choice-Based Art Education in the ClassroomThe last thing was a thank you note from a nice family that included a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card. I put the gift card toward a book that's been on my wish list for a couple of years- Engaging Learners Through Artmaking by Katherine M. Douglas and Diane B. Jaquith. I think it will come in handy as I transition to a Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) teacher.

If you are interested in TAB, you should definitely try to read the ebook "Choice Without Chaos" by Anne Bedrick. I'm almost finished with it and it is filled with great stuff on her experience switching to TAB, how she runs her centers, curriculum, etc. It's the first digital book I've ever purchased and I can see why ebooks are popular. The format (I have it on my iPad) allows for video and slideshows in addition to text. You can view the opening video on Bedrick's Vimeo account here: http://vimeo.com/47676569

2 comments:

  1. Thanks Katie! I've been a follower of TAB, Katherine and Diane for about 6 years now. I've wanted to take the plunge and make the change, but thought it might be best to wait until I have tenure. I've become inspired to make a change...
    Take a look at this: http://www.slideshare.net/thethirdteacher/hac-kclass-tttpresov1
    Hack Class....time to make a change-I'm making the change.

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  2. That book will change your life as a teacher! I teach in what I like to call "modfied choice" for grades 3-5 at my school and the students LOVE it!! Read up and ask questions if you have any!

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