Chalk The Block!

Last weekend I was able to attend Chalk The Block art festival here in Provo.
 Riverwoods was kind enough to donate a spot to our school!
 It landed right on Parent's week, so I got to take a couple of the student's whose parents weren't coming.

We left school bright and early and checked in. We got free t-shirts, backpacks and chalk.
Then we walked over to our art space. We were given a huge spot to work with.
I don't think my students anticipated the work we were about to do.

 

We chose to represent our school with our mascot, 

and we decided to make the background look very Van Gogh like.

I explained we should have the sun be warm colors, and the sky be cool colors. 

We practiced on the sun first and once the kids got in the groove of blending the colors and layering we started working on the sky. It was hot, and we were very dirty. 

People passed us by and "ooohed and awwed" and I think that was a huge factor that kept the boys going.

Around noon I started on the eagle while they finished the sky, 

I soon had to run to parent teacher conferences, I didn't like leaving the project! 

I told the kids I would be back as soon as possible.. 

 

I showed up to parent teacher conference covered in chalk. 

And as soon as I didn't have a line waiting to talk to me, I bolted back to the project.

I left it when it was about 70% done,
and came back to see the other staff and the students had done so much!
I was jumping up and down from excitement!
I was so proud of what we accomplished!

I kept saying, "GUYS!!!" and "AHH YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!"
And I meant every word!

We technically had 2 days to finish it, but we were only able to do it for 6 hours.

I was so impressed with my students.

I still am! 

They were dirty, and tired, but they had a great attitude and have been asking me for pictures ever since.

Here are some of my other favorite chalk art. 

I am a little biased and I think ours was the best.

Yeah, I'm so very impressed with the students and staff who helped. 

We had the principal helping in his bowtie at one point.

Other teachers and staff came down to cheer us on.

And after took some photos of us.

I of course was BEAMING in all photos.

My students on the other hand didn't crack a smile,

because, you know, cool teenagers don't smile.

First Day Of School Nerves

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.