Painting with Poise

As the children wait for their turn to paint using Art Rage I quickly turn on Jing to capture their work of art in motion. Using these two tools I am able to capture the process of painting not just the finished product.

So often we give directions during art lessons and a model what it is we want the children to do. Lets try more of this type of art, I call it free art in my classroom! Call it what you will. The children are open to explore creative expression and participate freely. Funny, each child wanted a turn. During those other art lessons, how many children decline doing the "project"?

As the children wait their turn they love watching what is happening on the SMARTboard. Amazed by the vibrant colors and the mixing that takes place.  They talk about what they are doing and show respect and interest in others work. (Does that happen during crafts?)

As the children complete their masterpiece they stand back and take a look. I have them tell me about what they did and ask how they made it. For children who have less language abilities we discuss the colors they used. As they step back and look at their large painting on the SMARTboard they are proud of their work! You can read later postes about Art Rage if you are interested in using it in your classroom. 

Here in my classroom, the children just love using Art Rage! Plus they are learning skills far greater than how to follow step by step directions.

Cutting Edge

Have you ever...walked across a street?

 Have you ever...ridden a bike?

Have you ever...jumped into a swimming pool?

I'm thinking most of my readers have done these things. Why? Maybe you wanted something on the other side of the street? Maybe you wanted to ride your bike so you could go to your friends house? Or perhaps you just wanted to cool off in the pool on a hot summer day. Would you consider these things to be dangerous? Possibly you would if you never learned how to do them safely. This brings me to my cutting edge topic for the day. Scissors. 

Yes, it is conference time again! As I meet with parents, I ask them if they have a scissors for their child at home. I find out if they spend time practicing cutting with their child. Guess the answer. (You will have to keep reading to find out.) The conversations go on as I try to make a case for scissor practice at home. We discuss how using a scissor increases fine motor strength, eye-hand coordination, and muscle control. What parent doesn't want their child to have these skills?

Of course there is a scissors in the home the parents assure me. However, they tell me they don't want their child to use it. They say the child will cut everything around the house, even their hair. Some important conversation happens when I explain to the parents they can set the rules and limits on what the child can and cannot cut. We do the same at school. It is also important for the parents to sit with their child while they are cutting, supervision is necessary for success and safety. 

You could have been hit by a car if no one taught you to look both ways before crossing the street. You would have not been able to get around or go to your friends house if you couldn't ride your bike. Maybe you would have gotten hurt  if you jumped in a pool without supervision. In the same way, if you don't teach your children to use the scissors safely, they may get hurt. Without supervision, they will cut their hair. (Just ask my mom!)

I'm not speaking of cutting edge parenting here. With guidance my students will develop fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and muscle control using a scissors at home as well as in school.