First Week Reflections...

Wow! This last 2 weeks has been a whirlwind. I am finally settling into my crazy schedule between 3 schools. I have learned a few things at the elementary school. First, I need to have more patience. Second, I need to be flexible because the kids love that! And finally, if I assert my needs, administration rises to the occasion.

I found that in the first week the kids are all adjusting too. I went in to it immediately expecting them to respond, be focused, etc in art class. That was an unrealistic expectation on my part. They are adjusting to a new teacher, in some cases, new classmates, and a new schedule...for anyone that can cause you to be less focused. By the second meeting, the students were much more focused, and it seemed that they were remembering what the behavior expectations for school.

Fifth grade getting inspired by Arshlie Gorky's abstractions.

Kids were refreshed by my flexible approach to the art projects. I heard a little bit about their former teachers expecting them to be "perfect" and do it "her way". This hurts my heart! After all, the art room should be the one place in school where kids can make projects their way! I had to remind classes of this. "If I wanted a photograph of a person, I would give you a camera. Draw a person the best you can. I want a drawing." This relaxed them! "You want to make your cityscape with flying lollipops? Sounds great! In art, anything is possible!" I could see a sense of excitement come over them...and it spread like wildfire. The creativity was so awesome it made me want to cry with pride. I released something in my students. I am helplessly addicted to teaching art!

Finally, I am learning that when I tell my principals things that I need and want, they jump to accommodate me. This is a bit different from the high school, where administration has so many teachers and students to handle. At the school where I am teaching in the cafeteria, my principal is working on getting me a portable sink and has ordered me a dry erase board on wheels with storage! So, I am learning that she who asks may receive, so I will have to keep that up.

I think it is also important for me to stay organized. Writing things down is really helping. I switched from an electronic planner (my phone) to an old fashioned planner and it is working better for me.

Whew. Hopefully I will have more to share with you soon!

Day Before School Prayers, 8 p.m. Bedtime!

I sooooo have many other things that I should be doing right now, with school starting tomorrow, but it is therapeutic to put it out in the world. My classrooms are as ready as they are going to be for the time being. I am finding I am a perfectionist. I want everything to be like its been there lived in for years...the impending start of school has forced me to quit nesting and just put down the to-do list and be ok with just ok. The students will have comfortable spaces and lessons prepared for them. So, that is good enough. The posters didn't all get hung, the procedure signs didn't get made. But, I will still be a good art teacher!

Once I let it go, I actually feel great! But I am still going to bed early so I can be at school bright and early at 6 am. (sigh)

Pray for me! I pray my instincts kick in and I work out things last minute when they come up. I pray that I stay on time. I pray my kids show up on time. I pray that I don't forget anything. I pray I keep up with journaling so I can stay organized. I pray most of all that I can make kids better people through visual art. I pray they learn something about themselves. I pray that they are proud when their work is hung up. I pray that their parents get excited and buy frames for their artwork. And  most importantly I pray that God provides the guidance, patience, and inspiration that I need to make this a terrific year.

Art Room Organization Pics

I found this fantastic blog called the Teaching Palette. I haven't fully explored it yet, but check out this photo show on Flickr that art teachers shared about organizing an art classroom. FANTASTIC!

Organize Your Room!

Happy Cleaning!

Totally Jealous of this classroom!

One of the schools I will be teaching at, I do not have a classroom. So, I will be teaching in the cafeteria. Bummer! So, this made me very jealous. I will continue to look for blog entries from teachers who do art on a cart for organizational tips. Wish me luck!

http://www.artismessy.org/?p=528

From Art is Messy Blog:

I like to give my kids access to most of my art materials. In order to do this, I organize the supplies into three cubby areas: collage and sculpture, drawing and paper and finally printmaking and paint. I find that it helps to organize the room this way because always know where to look for the materials that they need.

In addition to the different material sections, I keep other supplies like pencils, sharpies, erasers, crayons, markers and colored pencils in different areas throughout my room. I like to have my materials in different areas because I feel it helps those kids who have difficulty sitting still. It gives their movement justification.

I also create bulletin boards for each grade level I teach. I put examples of the artwork that we have studied so the kids can look at it during different points of the project. I also try to include art vocabulary on these boards as well.

Welcome to Ms. Meggles Art Room!

I visited my classroom for the first time since my interview today. I have some challenges with the set up, but I am addressing those with stride. At least I have tables and chairs! I heard from a former classmate who works in an urban district and she wasn't sure if she would have tables or chairs for her students on the first day of class. On a lighter note, I have TONS of storage. I have shelving shelving SHELVING! and beautiful large cabinets. I am sure this room will fit me and my students just fine!

Tomorrow is orientation. I look forward to this year. The nerves are fading a bit and I am starting to just be excited!

I'm tired, but this is so worth it

Wow, the last few weeks have been terrific! Ms. B. has welcomed me into her classroom with open arms. The kids are typical teenagers with typical teenage issues. Navigating that is a challenge, but I am settling in well. In fact, I don't want to leave! I think that is an excellent sign, considering hopefully soon I won't be!

My Art I class just finished a nature & technology project in which they explored contour line, hand drawings and thought about the effect (positive or negative) that technology has on nature. Soon we will begin one of my projects: Newspaper Self Portraits. Every kid talks about his or her ability to make a photo-realistic image. We are going to look at value and use text collage to create dark medium and light tones on their self portrait. They won't be drawing, though. The students will be using a black and white printout of their image and building the collage directly on top. The result should be pretty awesome.

Art II is working on Identity Cups. Students will think about what they show the world and create a 3-D texturized cup to represent themselves. They will also think about what they "fill their cup" with-friends, faith, fun, etc. It should be challenging for them to think in terms of a metaphor and also controlling the clay. I just pray that they don't get frustrated!

Speaking of frustrated, my advanced class is pushing my limits. I believe they are used to their teacher and see me as a "substitute". It has been a challenge keeping them focused on their plaster carving project that I developed for them.

I am tired now. I am going to take a deep breath, pack my bag, and head home for a hot bath!

Until next time...thanks for visiting Ms. Meggles Art Room!!!

Unfortunate Events, Excitment on the Horizon

Some events beyond my control have caused UM-St. Louis to pull me from my placement at Washington Elementary. This is an unfortunate and highly rare occurrence, but it is best for both parties, we feel.

If you would like to donate still, I will have a classroom someday and I will need many things to get me started. I would be happy to accept your donations. If you change your mind, I understand this too. I am sure if you call the Normandy School District directly they would be still willing to accept donations.

Thank you for your understanding and continual support. You all have the biggest hearts and I had no idea how many of you cared for me and for my belief that art education is vital for the success for children's future. It really makes me feel so good, so thanks!

On a lighter note, hopefully I will be starting my St. Charles High School placement sooner. We are waiting to hear back now.

Sincerest Regard,

Megan Steinlage