Another New School Year is Already Here!

I believe that all my student are artists.  As our Choice-Based classroom continues to evolve it is apparent that each child has a unique point of view.  Some will love the messy pastels while others prefer to work neatly.  Some students would rather build and really work with the materials in a hands-on way.  Because their artwork is very personal to each child it is easier for them to speak about their process and ideas.  This will be the beginning of my 6th year.  I know it will be a busy one; it always it and this year I am working on my National Boards.  Since artwork will be heading home once again, it is a great time to talk about "How to Talk to a Child about their Artwork"

Here are some great questions to ask when talk to a child about their artwork:

Tell me about your picture.
Why did you make it?
How did you make it?
What made you think to try this?
Where did you get your idea from?
Did you discover anything new while you were making this picture?
What kinds of materials did you use?
Which part are you most proud of?

Bees for Hy-Vee

In conjunction with their current promotions and events, our local Hy-Vee asked our students to provide artwork for their dining area.  Each student created an original work of art about a bee.  They were able to illustrate the bee using any of the materials and techniques that they had learned about over the school year.

Art as Therapy

Feeling stressed?  Or Upset?  Art can act as a form of therapy for anyone going through difficult times.  What is Art Therapy?  It is the therapeutic use of art making.  While this form of therapy is usually done under the direction of an art therapist for people with severe trauma or illness it can be done at home.

Art Therapy can be done at home to help alleviate the blues or a bad day.  It can be as simple as setting aside time in the day to do artwork.  While your mind is engaged in the art making process it helps your mind to refocus on the task at hand instead of the problem you had before.  So kick back and take an Art Break with your children.  It just may help you both to relax.

Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  For more information, visit  http://www.zentangle.com/

Photos from Celebrate the Arts Day

We have a great day with wonderful workshops and performances.  If you didn't make it be sure to take a look at the photos below to see what you really missed.

Celebrate the Arts Day Schedule

The Schedule for Celebrate the Arts Day is finally ready.  Hope to see you there!

Celebrate the Arts Day coming soon!

Kirksville Primary School witll be hosting Kirksville R-IIIs Celebrate the Arts Day on April 20, 2013.

Our overall purpose for this event is to clebrate the Arts within our school district and community.  The event will be for all members of the Kirksville community.  It will provide attendees with performances and workshops in Visual Art, Music, Theater, and Dance.

We are looking for volunteers to help with our event.  Interest and support for the arts are the only requirements.  No expertise needed.  Please spread the work to anyone you feel would be interested in this even.  More details will be coming out in the following weeks.  Please contact Laura Halter if you have any questions or would like to volunteer for the even.

WOW! Wall

Getting the chance to see their artwork in the hallway is a very big deal for my students. I really want them to feel proud of their work that is there, but also want other students and visitors to our building to see and know why artwork is featured in the hallway. That is where our new signs come in. Our local JCPenney donated old signs they used in their store to the art room and I went right to work on reusing them to liven things up at KPS.

The signs have really caught the eyes of the kids! My goal is for every student to have art in the hallway by the end of the year. We are not there yet, but getting closer to our goal. Don't forget to ask your student about the WOW! Wall.