Exploring Mini Masterpieces by Laura Lohmann

I finally took Mini Masterpieces for a test drive today!! The YouTube Video at the bottom of this post has me showing you the book...and doing one of the lessons!  I've included the Amazon link so you can order your book today!!! 

HERE IS THE AMAZON LINK FOR THE BOOK!

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Masterpieces-Exploring-History-Hands-Projects/dp/1943147833

How Artists See....

How Artists See... is a book series I have had for many, many moons.  It is copy right dated 1996, but I don't believe I've had it that long. ha ha  I've used the books in lessons and to inspire one of my spring all school art shows many years ago.  I was contacted in the fall by the publishing company if I wanted to have copies of the 2nd Edition of the book.  Lets think about this....YES!!! I really was curious to what changes had been made.  

THE 2nd EDITION IS BEAUTIFUL!  There are several new images included which I really enjoy.....but THE COLOR!!!  I noticed right away when I started comparing the books (old & new) that the images that were the same....the color is dramatically better in the new edition!  Also I feel Colleen Carroll's descriptive writing that accompanies the images is spot on, and I think extremely beneficial for young readers to explore.  They are great resources for your art library! 

KINDERGARTEN DINOSAUR UNIT BOOKS

I decided I'd "TRY" to do a post a week of my favorite books to read to Kindergarten.  This week I'm sharing my favorite dinosaur books with you.  The kids LOVE dinosaurs(I love dinosaurs!!!).  There are some great quick videos online that you can add to your lessons...the kids love when you bring more to the lesson that will capture their imagination!!  These are not all of the dino books I have...but the ones I go to most when I do an extended unit!!!  

Because Underpants cracks them up!!! ha ha

Great story...kindergarten needs this!! 

Fun words...fun pictures...great movement!

Great retelling of a classic!!

I mean really...look how cute the illustrations are!!!!

Love these books(there are several!).

Great lesson starter!!!!

Books in the Art Room

In the matter of 3 days...I received two comments on my blog & two e-mails asking about the books I use in the art room!  So I took that as a sign for what I should blog about! ha ha  

I always start every lesson for Kindergarten with a book.  I have a large selection....so I can match just about any lesson I'm teaching to a story.  I've grown my library through several means. I have written grants.  I have bought them using my personal money.  I've had family members buy me books for Christmas or my Birthday.  Discarded books from the library.  School book fairs(they gave all the profits to the teacher to buy books for their classroom!!!!).  Wish Lists.  School funds earmarked for classroom needs.  

And if you don't have extra funds...personal or school...there is always your school & local library!  

Below is a link to our district curriculum's BOOK LIST.  It is by no means exhaustive.  There are new books I'm finding ALL THE TIME!!!

LINK TO BOOKS/INDURING THEMES/TOPICS/MEDIA

Also take a look on my Pinterest page.  I have a board marked BOOKS I USE IN THE ART ROOM.  They are linked to AMAZON mostly....so if you want to buy it...just click.  

I think my pinterest page is http://www.pinterest.com/tededinger  

If you are just getting started...look for books that are around 32 pages.  Image rich are also important for young learners.  Think in themes....fish books, fall books, winter books, dino books..etc.  They will be the most useful connecting lessons.  

     

   

Character Day for Read Me Week!

So I decided to carry on the theme of When Pigasso Met Mootisse....so I came as Mootisse!  I'm bull headed(yes..a Taurus)..and large...and have the hair for it!! I used lipstick to make my face look a bit more like Mootisse...and had the outfit down(except black shoes instead of boots).  The kids thought I was a devil...so I carried the book around with me! ha ha ha  

My student teacher makes the perfect Camilla Cream from A Bad Case of Stripes. The stripes on her face didn't show up real well in the picture...and I cut off her legs that were striped knee highs!  So funny.  So glad she wanted to join in the fun!!!!!

Books In The Art Room: Pinterest

I've been working on a new board for Pinterest of the books I use in my art room.  If you are wanting to use more children's books in your lessons or increase your classroom library...stop by and see what I've suggested.

If you see that there are some great books I've not listed yet....let me know!!!

http://pinterest.com/tededinger/books-i-use-in-the-art-room/

TAEA STUDIO CLASS: Book Making

These first three pictures are of my fall book.  I did not add all the extra elements because I decided I want to put fall pictures of my kids in the squares.  I really enjoyed this process though, and like the elements others added in to their book(mine were just going to be seperated).  The pictures that follow are from other teachers that were in my class...appreciate them letting me show their work here on Art With Mr. E!!!

These last two elements are added into some of the other books, but I thought that they could make fun Christmas ornaments!  I'm going to have my daughter handpaint paper...then I'll turn them into ornaments for the grandparents.  Amazing how we see things differently once we have kids of our own?!?! :) ha ha 

State Text Book Adoption

I'm one of 4 selected from the state to review textbooks & make recommendations on if it should be adopted by districts.  It is a lot of work & not easy when you have a newborn and a 2 yr old!  My wife took Eli to the doctor...I dropped Margaret off at Gaga's(grandma)...and I headed to Mc D's to read, review, and write.  I didn't get a lot of actual writing done, but I do feel I understand the process more and it should go a bit quicker now!  I'm thankful for this opportunity, but it is challenging!!!! (By the way..this is only a small number of the books I have to review, but when it is all said & done...they are mine mine mine!!!)