I have them.
Last week was our Summer Break.
I spend the time in my classroom,
hanging posters, organizing, and planning lessons.
Today is the first day of the new semester.
I have almost all new students, and I was nervous!
I felt like it was MY first day at school.
So, I picked out a nice "back to school" outfit,
and came to face my new classes.
Today we went over art class rules, and how I will grade projects.
I'm still getting used to the idea of grading art work.
It feels wrong to score someone's work...
but it's a necessity for school.
So, I'm learning the way that works for me.
I have high hopes for the new semester.
I told the kids what I expect from them...
and what they could expect from me.
I told them it breaks my poor artist heart when they throw colored pencils.
And it breaks even more when they crumple up their work and throw it away.
I told them, they didn't need to be "good" at art, to be good at art.
And that everyone can draw, and everyone can learn.
I told them we would have weekly drawing exercises.
and that I'm not expecting things to be realistic.
I told them they will see progress, even if it's not perfect.
I told them I want to help them develop a personal style.
And as the kids were leaving for their next period,
I overheard one girl say to another, "Wow, I'm actually looking forward to art class!"
So far,
I'd say it's been a good first day.
Oh!
And for the winner of the giveaway!
Congrats Kandice!
And, due to the insane week, we don't have a giveaway this week!
I've got some fun things planned for next week though.
