Modifying A Poster From Dollar Tree

 I was looking for a new encouraging/motivational poster at Dollar Tree recently when I came across a dinosaur poster.  I love dinosaurs, but don't usually put up such things in my room. I loved it though, and thought I could modify it to be more "art" related.

 For a $1.25 and a little bit of work...totally worth it! 

Art Standards Display

So I wanted to do something like this last year, but was still working out my idea!  I've put up our state standards in child friendly language. To the left I've attached a tap light. My plan is to go over the standards with my students in this format so they become familiar with the language and the concepts. We will use them to help review what we learned during that day's lessons. I'll have students come up and hit the tap light for the standard(s) we've covered based on what the class agrees upon. My hope is for good vocabulary rich discussion and a deeper understanding of what we are learning. It will take time. It will take patience. It will take reworking.

I'M UP FOR IT!

    STAY TUNED!      

Bulletin Board/Displays: Practicum Students Edition

As part of my MTSU practicum students' requirements....they had to create a bulletin board or display in my classroom.  I have to admit...it is challenging to come into someone else's room that has a vibe & try to make something that would fit within that teacher's style.  We talked about possible ideas, and I created a list for them of things I'd find useful in my classroom.  However, I did tell them if they had an idea....I was open to other possibilities.  I also let them know I might make changes to their boards/displays once they've left to better fit into my classroom.  This isn't to be mean, but I have to live in this space.....they were just visiting! ha ha
Here are what my practicum students created. 

Doing their best Vanna White impersonation!!!!

I really loved her poster...it is so sweet!! 

I had been working on a unit with my 1st graders about emotions.  

I love that I now have a poster to be a reminder for my students!!

I had a pre-existing board that needed changed out! (this is my super hero inspired ARTIST LEAGUE board) She found this amazing Brazilian artist(female & still alive!!) that I just love!!!!  Can't wait to create some lessons using Beatriz Milhazes as inspiration.

Fun With Foam!

We've had this foam left over from VBS for several years! It is insulation foam that you purchase at your home improvement store. I finally decided I'd try using it to make some fun things for my classroom.  First though...I needed to purchase a hot knife at Harbor Freight (never forget your coupons!).  It was only $19.99...plus I had a coupon for 20% off! 

I've used hot knives in the past.  Each one is different though...and you will need to practice a bit with an extra piece of foam to make sure it isn't too hot (you don't want to totally melt the foam!).

I used regular acrylic/craft paint on the surface with no gesso.  You may want to paint a coat of Mod Podge on top to help protect it once you are finished. 

Vacation Inspiration for the Art Room

My family went on a day trip to the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It is only 2 hrs from Nashville,TN(where we live), and truly fun for the whole family! There were several "art" type things there that I appreciated, but what I'm about to share really inspired me!!  I'll share the pictures & give a blurb under each one about my thoughts on how I'll art spin it!  I'm thinking I'll take 12x12 canvases and paint the words/symbols on it & hang them above my marker board at the front of the room.

Art starts with an idea....so "THINK IT" is perfect to start the process!

Students will need to "EXPLORE IT" as they proceed with the ideas.  This could be researching art, artists, or photographs that relate to their idea & direction they will to go.

"SKETCH IT" - Enough said!  

  

After working through different sketches, students will proceed with their idea in a more finalized format...and "TRY IT"/"CREATE IT".  I'm still working through this one.  I feel they could be one in the same.  Plus, I'd like to get it down to 6 steps instead of 7.  (What are your thoughts?)

Students will have opportunity for personal, peer, and group critique of their work.  They will then be able to "TWEAK IT", and make any necessary changes.

Though "SELL IT" is applicable in art, I think I'll probably change it to SHARE IT or PRESENT IT.  That way I can tie it into the standard PRESENT, and have students start thinking about "beyond creating".  

These are my three goof balls!

Mr. E's Art Room: 2017-2018

I have been so slow about getting this posted! Please forgive me.  So here is a look into my classroom this year! I do a different color theme every year in my room...this year it is BRIGHTS!  It overwhelmed me at first because the past two years the colors have been much more subdued, but we all need a jolt to our system from time to time! ha ha  Feel free to leave a comment, email, or contact me on social media if you have any questions.

A few from the hallway!  I do have a nice large room..which I'm thankful for!  When the school was built in 1989...this space was designed as an art room(although it only has one small sink that is too high for young children to reach..that has always puzzled me!)

A few from the supply closet.

A view from my supply shelves.

Here is my reading area!  I read to my kindergarten students every time they come to art! I've had 20 yrs to collect all these books...grants...parent donations...and my family giving me sets of books for birthdays/Christmas.  It takes time, but a great classroom library is worth it.

The little table was made by my dad when he was in high school!  It is special to have something made by his hands in my space.  The chair...has seen better days! ha ha  I got it at a yard sale about 16 yrs ago for $5!! I'm actively looking for a funky new one!

My supply center!  These are more my everyday supplies that I allow students to pass out  & such.  Each color box represents a different supply.  The yarn boxes are so awesome!! Have had them for probably about 15 yrs or so. The top shelf has all my old teacher examples.  (I really need to clean them out and organize them better!!)

This is how I store student art work for the 9 weeks.  Each class has a box.  It keeps visual clutter down & keeps things organized!  I've had these boxes for about 6 years...maybe more?

Art Shirts!  I have people donate t-shirts for us to use in the art room.  They work out great.  We have a washer and drier at our school so I can keep up with them!!!

I painted the knight GREEN!!! I LOVE IT!!!  I've wanted to do that since I "adopted"

 him. The kids noticed right away the first week of school.

Word Walls...still in fashion?  I like mine.  I use the words on magnets and move them over to my example board when the words go with what we are studying.  Plus..the word wall acts as a word bank when we are writing about art that students can use.

This is my THINK ABOUT, TALK ABOUT, WRITE ABOUT board.  I have questions to get students thinking about their work & the work of others.  

I'm going to change a couple of the sections later on, but used the posters as a place holder for the time being.  I use to get all kinds of bent out of shape if that were to happen before...but since having kids..and my health issues...I've gotten more laid back! ha ha 

I did a post about this board a day or two ago....I LOVE IT! 

Every year I redo above my classroom door with foam to match my color theme I use in my room. .  It stays bright and colorful all year & sets my room apart from others.  

This is my " OUTSIDE THE ART ROOM" board. It is literally outside the art room.  This is where I put the pictures kids make me at home or at recess.  They are always so proud to see these pieces displayed. 

The last few days of school...I have my students make turtles in the color of my color theme for the next school year.  That way I have art hanging when kids get back...and it is super fun seeing them try to find theirs!! ha ha

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE TOUR OF MY ART ROOM!!! 

Bulletin Boards & Displays: 2015-2016

I really love creating bulletin boards.  Honestly...if my district said they'd offer me a job creating boards across Nashville...I'd probably do it! ha ha  Something about cutting paper that just soothes the soul.  My room also lends itself to a person that enjoys such things!!!  Some boards never change.  Some change a little each year.  Some are totally different/new.  I hope you enjoy.  Let me know if you have any questions.

This is my version of "The Earth Without Art is Eh!" 

The examples I have up on the board(teacher made) have names representing kids I went to school with back in the day!! ha ha Where I grew up...elementary school was K-8..one of each grade, and pretty much the same 18 kids all 9 yrs(a couple left/came/failed).  Then I went to a small consolidated high school....and still saw most of those kids on a daily basis.  Just a little way to remember my roots being that I'm 9 hrs from "home" and seldom get to see them any more.  I'm an old softy..what can I say. ha ha

Yep..the good ol' No-No Board.  Love it or Leave it....it works for me!

I try to come up with a new "reading" board each year.  Here is this year's offering.

This use to be the "front" of my room.  That little chalk board was all that was there.  Once I got my large white board...and then technology...the room shifted.  I took the bulletin board that was on the wall where they put the white board..and had them flip it vertical.  I also installed metal sheets on the other side so I could have a magnetic word wall.

I didn't use this last year...and really missed it...so it is back!!!

I always try to refer to my map so kids know where in the world things come from!!

I found the word strips at Dollar Tree!! LOVE THEM! I used sheet magnets on the back.

Got tired of the kids asking if I painted the Van Gogh picture ...so I re-purposed it this year! ha 

I have the 4 standards above the board with the explanation beside them.  TN has not adopted them, but it is how we're being assessed for the teacher portfolio...so I'm using them!!  The section between the 3rd and 4th grade area on the board is their journal entry space.  Each week they have a 10 min quick draw of a word...where I challenge them to be as creative as possible.  I also have them write two sentences explaining their drawing.  

I redo my above the door sign every year to match my color theme.  I use fun foam to create it..and just hot glue it up there!!  I like how it sets my room apart...and adds a little color to the hall. (not a fan of the ice blue they have it painted..blah)

The last week of school I always have my students create turtles so I can have art hanging in the hall at the start of the next school year.  I have them make them in the color of my room's color theme.(this requires me to decide on a color theme prior to school letting out!!).  The kids always love trying to find their turtle.

Amazing Teacher Store!

If you are in the Middle TN area, or are planning a trip this way...you need to drop by The Learning Circle in Murfreesboro, TN (South of Nashville on 24...and the home of MTSU).  I think my teacher friends need to plan a field trip there next year before school starts.  IT IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm planning to go "AROUND THE WORLD" this year (2nd -4th 9 weeks)...and was looking for display items.  The staff was super helpful and gave me many suggestions. MNPS folks...you can use a purchase order!!  They are an approved vendor, and I believe will deliver for orders over $100.  

THE LEARNING CIRCLE ONLINE

FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK TOO!!

Not into premade borders so much...BUT LOVE THESE ARE RELATED ONES!!!!!