Wow!!!

The first week of school just flew right by me! It's so much fun to see our old friends and make some new ones, too! We started putting together art journals today, and they will stay in class so we can do our work on the elements of art and principles of design in them. Tomorrow we are going to start self-portraits at most grade levels! I am enthusiastic about getting several quality projects done this year, and hoping to get to display more art than ever before as space allows. My goal this year is to place artwork here, so being able to post online will make that even better!

Ready to GO!

I am excited to have my room fixed up and ready for our first year as GFAA! It is a challenge to make something new in an old space, and I have some tried and true practices I didn't want to reject, so it ended up being mostly different. I have c rested a more ope. Feeling space, while still holing the bright and cheerful mood, so that is great. I also feel like I was able to place more things on the wall this year that I have wanted to have out at the same time, but somehow they weren't able to fit before.

I am always a little nervous about the beginning of the year, and this year is no exception with over a hundred new kids in addition to the whole new kinder group we get every year! That's a lot of names and personalities to get to know! We start on Monday, and for the fine arts block our kids will rotate through art, music, and theatre/dance class to meet and greet with each of The fine arts teachers. It is going to be a whirlwind of fun and make the first day lightning fast!

Playing with Technology

Technology training this morning! Playing around with Animoto to create video and photo slideshows with music. Check out my first try: 4th of July 2011

Incorporating Project Based Learning

I started my PBL training today... Very exciting! My group has decided to develop a lesson that will use the arts and science content standards together. PERFECT for our new Fine Arts Academy. This is going to be really great, and I can't wait to continue the work tomorrow.

The most exciting resources I saw today were www.edutopia.org for some awesome articles, ideas and questions about education, and a FABULOUS video by RSA Animate with a speech by Sir Ken Robinson about the education paradigm shift. It is a longer video, but worth it. You just have to see for yourself!

Check it out on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Garner Elementary Fine Arts Academy

When times get tough, the determined get... CREATIVE!!! In response to the intense budget strains that almost closed our campus this year, we have created a very exciting new plan to become a fine arts focused school. It is SO very EXCITING... and tons of work! We will be working hard all summer to prepare our facilities, teachers, and curriculum to open in the 2011-2012 school year as Garner Fine Arts Academy! Check us out here!