Diary of a Middle School ELAR Teacher

Monday, August 15, 2011

The Teaching Palette: Perfecting the Art of Education

I stumbled across the following blog while trying to find new ideas for art integration in the learning environment, and this is what they strive to do:
Our blog is authored by art educators for art educators. We aim to provide a collaborative and resourceful forum where art specialists of all levels can explore professional topics that impact our subject area - from classroom management to tools and techniques to integrating music. We also provide valuable teacher resources and product reviews. Join the conversation by contributing content or comments. Follow the dialogue by subscribing to our site via RSS or email.

I highly recommend following The Teaching Platte's Blog found below:

http://theteachingpalette.com/category/blog/

The Teaching Palette is a blog dedicated to the teachers who constantly work on perfecting the art of education. The heart and purpose of this site is to provide an environment where the love and knowledge of art education will be advanced.

Our goal is to provide a collaborative forum where art specialists of all levels can explore professional topics that impact our subject area. Our “big three” content specialties include 1) classroom management, 2) music + art integration and 3) teacher-authored product reviews.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Open House - Thank You

I would like to take a moment to thank all of the families that came to SASIC for Open House. It was a pleasure meeting all of you, and remember, if you have any questions please email me: tsinclair1031@gmail.com . If you were not able to attend, or you did not pick up your syllabus and supply list; they can be found on the right side of my blog under "Pages".

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Puzzle Project: We All Fit In.

One of our first projects for both 7th & 8th grade will be titled: We All Fit In. Each student is given a large piece of foam poster board, cut in the shape of a puzzle piece, on which he/she has to make a collage showing his/her life, interests and souvenirs. Many students add old photographs, pictures cut from magazines, drawings, little items from home, etc. to illustrate themselves. When they finish their puzzle piece, they have to stand up in front of the class and tell us about all the things on their collage. The students will then work together to complete their puzzle (7th & 8th grade will be two separate puzzles). I will make a piece as well - after all, I am a part of this class too. :)

Make Music Anywhere

I want students to be inspired to make music/art anywhere they are. It may be a book they are reading, an image they see in the clouds, a tree stump, or a broken door (like the videos below), the possibilities are endless. Incoming students: on the first day of school feel free to bring any form of art that has inspired you, or that you have created . Your participation will help myself and other students get to know you during the first week: All About ME.