To start off the day was a double period with Ms. Hatch's 11th grade class. They were finishing up their Prep sheets for their projects (to do with the theme of facial features). As usual I went around checking up on their work, giving advice where necessary. Quite a number of them seemed to be rather lost and unsure of what they were doing.
Next Was Ms Curtains video class. I wasn't able to help that much as all the students knew exactly what it was they were supposed to be doing and were very very involved with their projects. So I just stood by and observed Ms. curtain who put a great deal of emphasis in the clarity of the composition and sequence of their shots and gave a good analysis and feedback of their films.
Lastly was the year sevens who were doing lino prints. All in all a likable bunch. There was a number of students who were loud and easily distracted but none the less they listened when told and were very friendly. There was one student who was rude and disrespectful but tolerable. I ended up keeping a very close eye on how each student was progressing as I cycled around. Very beautiful work too even from those who had trouble. And at the end they followed Ms. Curtains instructions for cleaning up very closely so in the end the room was quite spotless (very impressive).
Monday, 15 December 2014
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Painted Dogs
A brief summary for today since it was rather quiet. The main thing that occurred was that I was asked to give two presentations (One by Boyd who wanted it squashed down to 15 minutes which was tricky but I just about managed). After that presentation I took up an offer by Ms. Hoesli on doing a painting for RSPCA. It was a project for the students to get CAS credits. Personnally I can't help but notice the teacher's involvement in aiding students to find CAS opportunities has grown considerably (at least within the art department) which is something I find very good as the IB is already so hard on students and I remember CAS while useful for the future did get in the way back then.
So I joined the back of Hatch's class, worked for a couple hours and went home. I'm halfway done so it should be done long before her deadline of Friday.
So I joined the back of Hatch's class, worked for a couple hours and went home. I'm halfway done so it should be done long before her deadline of Friday.
Monday, 8 December 2014
Mocks
Over the weekend I caught a slight cold. Thankfully it cleared up just in time but I still feel slightly ill. I notice people all around are starting to come down with it.
The 11th grade mocks were today. Understandably they were all incredibly nervous but one if particular started to have a panic attack. Ms. Hatch tried to calm her down by allowing her to sit in her office with a drink. I also tried to comfort her by telling her the truth that she had plenty of ability and talent and she did seem to cheer up a bit. Ms. Hatch told her she would give her an extra hour which really seemed to lift her spirits.
Other than that I helped by overseeing another class while Hatch was away, helping go over their pieces and worksheets. What I found funny and interesting was how they all wanted to squeeze as much as possible everything they had onto one sheet because they assumed it would take less time but actually meant they would spend more time rearranging everything to fit. So I pointed that out. I did have some difficulty with one student who seemed really lost as her response to my questions of 'why do you have this or that image' was 'I don't know'. I told her how she could rearrange her sheets in a clearer order and put in an example of her final piece so the rest is up to her.
LUNCH BREAK
worked a little more to my masks presentation. I added an Aztec section. So for two periods each to a different seventh grade class I gave a presentation on masks of different cultures. The first were exceptionally attentive and had the right level of noise/discourse among themselves. The second were a bit more unruly by comparison but acceptable. I've now given the presentation to Ms Curtain to put up on the web.
The 11th grade mocks were today. Understandably they were all incredibly nervous but one if particular started to have a panic attack. Ms. Hatch tried to calm her down by allowing her to sit in her office with a drink. I also tried to comfort her by telling her the truth that she had plenty of ability and talent and she did seem to cheer up a bit. Ms. Hatch told her she would give her an extra hour which really seemed to lift her spirits.
Other than that I helped by overseeing another class while Hatch was away, helping go over their pieces and worksheets. What I found funny and interesting was how they all wanted to squeeze as much as possible everything they had onto one sheet because they assumed it would take less time but actually meant they would spend more time rearranging everything to fit. So I pointed that out. I did have some difficulty with one student who seemed really lost as her response to my questions of 'why do you have this or that image' was 'I don't know'. I told her how she could rearrange her sheets in a clearer order and put in an example of her final piece so the rest is up to her.
LUNCH BREAK
worked a little more to my masks presentation. I added an Aztec section. So for two periods each to a different seventh grade class I gave a presentation on masks of different cultures. The first were exceptionally attentive and had the right level of noise/discourse among themselves. The second were a bit more unruly by comparison but acceptable. I've now given the presentation to Ms Curtain to put up on the web.
Friday, 5 December 2014
Friday Friday
-Note: I didn't have time Friday to update the Blog (I don't have internet access at home) so this is actually a Monday Post.
The most important things about Friday that day was the presentation I put together on Chinese Theater masks. You see, Ms Curtain decided one of her 8th grade classes should be given the culture to research and asked my opinion. The Chinese masks seemed the obvious choice being recognizable, flexible and they would have to focus mainly on one thing: colour and what it represents in the Chinese theater. I had only a little understanding so I spent much of my time trying to pull together a powerpoint and understand the subject. I believe I used about...2-3 periods which I thought was a decent amount of time for a detailed presentation. There was one website I found was particularly useful and though I double checked with other sources I thought it was so good I gave it to the class in the end.
Before the presentation I started to feel worried that either it would be too complicated for the class to understand or they wouldn't find it interesting or engaging. But once I got the ball rolling they did seem to take to it and asked a lot of questions that showed they truly wanted to understand.
Ms. Curtain posted the two presentations online for the students to find. I'll be posting the two presentations here as soon as I can figure out a way to do so.
The most important things about Friday that day was the presentation I put together on Chinese Theater masks. You see, Ms Curtain decided one of her 8th grade classes should be given the culture to research and asked my opinion. The Chinese masks seemed the obvious choice being recognizable, flexible and they would have to focus mainly on one thing: colour and what it represents in the Chinese theater. I had only a little understanding so I spent much of my time trying to pull together a powerpoint and understand the subject. I believe I used about...2-3 periods which I thought was a decent amount of time for a detailed presentation. There was one website I found was particularly useful and though I double checked with other sources I thought it was so good I gave it to the class in the end.
Before the presentation I started to feel worried that either it would be too complicated for the class to understand or they wouldn't find it interesting or engaging. But once I got the ball rolling they did seem to take to it and asked a lot of questions that showed they truly wanted to understand.
Ms. Curtain posted the two presentations online for the students to find. I'll be posting the two presentations here as soon as I can figure out a way to do so.
Thursday, 4 December 2014
Sweetest Class Ever
Today's first class was Ms. Hatch's eight grade class. They were working on a canvas for a project on Robert Delaunay and the Orphism movement (so they were focusing much on colour co-ordination and blending gradients in acrylic). Personally I have to say I found them to be by far the sweetest class of the younger age groups. I remember two students in particular Bertie and Isham who were both clearly very close friends and also genuinely interested in art. They asked me a lot about what colours they should choose which showed their tremendous enthusiasm but I also took as a very clear sign of a lack of self confidence in their artistic expression. If they didn't make begin to make a few of their own choices then they wouldn't really be able to gain an understanding of colour. So I spent a bit of time with them while going around other students and made sure to ask them what colour they thought was best and I explained the reasons why that may be a good or bad colour choice (and I will say they often both chose very strong ones so they really did have an excellent sense of colour but just needed to be aware of this and be confident).
It was afterwards I found out from Ms. Hatch that Bertie wanted to be a jewellry designer and Isham an architect. I'm still stunned they're so certain of what they want to do at their age but not only that they're very specific fields. No wonder they were so enthusiastic.
Ms. Hatch also told me about one of the students who was incredibly talented and also interested in art but had some problems in anger management and how everyone was affected. I didn't tell her but I believed I could relate somewhat as I had some problems with controlling my emotions as a very young child, having tantrums and I remember what it was like. I wonder why it is some people start out with unable this. When I can I will endeavor to find theories on the subject.
-LUNCH BREAK-
I gave the presentation on masks again. This time I knew more but now I'm thinking I should definitely at some actual examples of artwork featuring paintings that fit the UNESCO guidelines or show the cultural expressions of the masks. That ought to help deal with some of the confusion.
And now I have to make sure I have a lesson plan to teach my neighbor english. Things haven't been the best so i'm going to do something I foolishly resisted and use MUZZY.
It was afterwards I found out from Ms. Hatch that Bertie wanted to be a jewellry designer and Isham an architect. I'm still stunned they're so certain of what they want to do at their age but not only that they're very specific fields. No wonder they were so enthusiastic.
Ms. Hatch also told me about one of the students who was incredibly talented and also interested in art but had some problems in anger management and how everyone was affected. I didn't tell her but I believed I could relate somewhat as I had some problems with controlling my emotions as a very young child, having tantrums and I remember what it was like. I wonder why it is some people start out with unable this. When I can I will endeavor to find theories on the subject.
-LUNCH BREAK-
I gave the presentation on masks again. This time I knew more but now I'm thinking I should definitely at some actual examples of artwork featuring paintings that fit the UNESCO guidelines or show the cultural expressions of the masks. That ought to help deal with some of the confusion.
And now I have to make sure I have a lesson plan to teach my neighbor english. Things haven't been the best so i'm going to do something I foolishly resisted and use MUZZY.
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
Throwing Knives?!
Today began wit Ms. Hatch's 13th grade class. Overall little happened, as with the 11th grade class they of course knew what they were doing. The little I did do was show them a few pieces of my work at Ms. Hatch's request and I talked to one student who wasn't entirely sure about whether she should aim for graphic design or illustration.
After the break was Ms. Curtains 7th grade class. They were at the final stage of a project on making a ceramic mug; finishing off the textures and smoothing out any remaining areas which would then lead on to putting the glaze on. I think I was caught a little off guard because Ms Curtain described them as a well behaved class...maybe it was a bad day for them. Most of the class they were acceptable, asking personal questions (to be expected) and acting a bit cheeky (one boy in particular) but I was able to go around and help those who needed help. During the clean up however a couple of boys started throwing the knives around (using the clay as a target) and almost getting their friend. When I told them off they jokingly remarked that was why they were doing it. I wasn't as forceful as I should have been because I was focused on the wrong thing.
But that was unacceptable. Grayson could have been seriously hurt and they didn't care because they were trying so hard to act cool. It was unacceptable and I am determined that that will never ever happen again. I won't let it.
-LUNCH BREAK-
Helped Ms Kohowski by giving a presentation on masks I put together as quickly as possible during the lunch break. I tried to cover as many cultures as I could think of and memorized as much new information on the subject as I could. All in all the presentation went wonderfully. Interestingly several girls were intrigued by my mentioning of the Moretta mask. I'll be able to do more research for tomorrow's class.
Now it's the end of the day. I won't be surprised if the knife throwing incident is the most important lesson I learn during these few weeks. We'll see tomorrow.
After the break was Ms. Curtains 7th grade class. They were at the final stage of a project on making a ceramic mug; finishing off the textures and smoothing out any remaining areas which would then lead on to putting the glaze on. I think I was caught a little off guard because Ms Curtain described them as a well behaved class...maybe it was a bad day for them. Most of the class they were acceptable, asking personal questions (to be expected) and acting a bit cheeky (one boy in particular) but I was able to go around and help those who needed help. During the clean up however a couple of boys started throwing the knives around (using the clay as a target) and almost getting their friend. When I told them off they jokingly remarked that was why they were doing it. I wasn't as forceful as I should have been because I was focused on the wrong thing.
But that was unacceptable. Grayson could have been seriously hurt and they didn't care because they were trying so hard to act cool. It was unacceptable and I am determined that that will never ever happen again. I won't let it.
-LUNCH BREAK-
Helped Ms Kohowski by giving a presentation on masks I put together as quickly as possible during the lunch break. I tried to cover as many cultures as I could think of and memorized as much new information on the subject as I could. All in all the presentation went wonderfully. Interestingly several girls were intrigued by my mentioning of the Moretta mask. I'll be able to do more research for tomorrow's class.
Now it's the end of the day. I won't be surprised if the knife throwing incident is the most important lesson I learn during these few weeks. We'll see tomorrow.
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
First Day
Today is my first day of work experience. It did of course start of with much nerves and I wasn't entirely sure what I should be doing during the first few minutes but that passed ever so quickly. Hatch's eleventh grade class were very friendly, quiet and clearly knew what they were doing. Since I had a fresh perspective having not followed their project from the beginning as Ms Hatch put it I could go around and see if I could tell if their project objectives were presented with clarity on their worksheets. As I said before these students clearly knew what they were doing so the project objective were quite clear. I was able to give a few pieces of advice here and there; artists they could look at (namely Giacomo Balla who fitted perfectly with two students projects because of his dynamic studies), techniques they could use and etc.
Then there was Ms.Curtains 8th grade class. A very big contrast to the eleventh graders being very loud and rather rowdy but not difficult to handle. Now Ms Curtain was having a class in print making which I could already tell was going to be daunting. Personally I have no talent with printmaking and find it a media which all sorts of problems can arise when teaching it to a class. I will make a note now that I did notice there was one girl whom the other students seemed to focus on. Negatively. She ended up in the center of a lot of bickering. Personally I suspect she provoked other subtly but it's possible she might've also been a center for bullying. Of course another possibility is that I read too much into the whole thing. All in all I ended up being in charge of supplying damp print paper so Ms Curtain had time to supervise the actual printing, inking and press. I could tell right away it could get out of hand and sure enough I could barely keep up despite using a few tricks like drying four at a time! Honestly I don't know how Ms. Curtain would've managed without help. I think she would've somehow found the time to prepare it before class (though she had to be somewhere else before class) but she knew I would be there.
-LUNCH BREAK-
Note: Everyday I will have one or two periods for lunch so I'll be using the time to write up my experience. This will be the format I will write these blog posts.
So after lunch there was Jackie Hatch's 7th grade class which I was then told was one of the worst classes they had ever had in terms of discipline which I'm sure was an exaggeration but none-the-less made note of the warning. From the very beginning she was very strict with them and unrelenting in telling them to keep silent in order for them to concentrate. And I did see right away they were a very very talkative group, being very gossipy especially in terms of relationships and competitive endeavors which was indeed a problem. Sometimes a little discussion is fine esp if it's to do with the class but unfortunately the group was very easy distracted from their work. This was of course because many were not into the project (I did notice a good number did definitely seem to be enjoying the project-having indulged in more colors and completed more or being generally more enthusiastic). As Hatch pointed out, they were used to the primary way of completing a work in a day and needed to learn how to commit more to a single piece. Looking back I realize that was actually not the experience I had had having spent what felt like forever day after day on a duplication of the Mona Lisa in charcoal after the other students had finished theirs which was encouraged by my teacher- something I was actually grateful for in the end...
As I said the group was very easily distracted so the of course unfortunately immediately took a great in who I was. I say unfortunately because I was now a factor that would distract them from work. Philip and Karim were two boys Hatch ended up sending outside for being talkative so I decided to follow them outside in order to make sure they did work. Now that I think about it that might have been a mistake since as I said I was the distraction and they did continue to ask questions but they did make the effort to work on their pieces while talking with a little encouragement so I'm not sure.
One thing I worry about is that I know my subject and believe i can teach it but I think one of my biggest weaknesses at the moment is knowing how to be firm and how to enforce discipline. This is something I'm focusing a little attetion on.
And lastly Boyd had another class of seventh graders which he was teaching pottery. Not an incredibly eventful lesson. I simply helped students where I could. One thing I did notice was the need to get the lesson started as soon as possible since it was a single period and there was barely any time between after they had found their piece and when they had to pack everything away.
Now I've written the days event up and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. and this time I'll be prepared with a camera.
Then there was Ms.Curtains 8th grade class. A very big contrast to the eleventh graders being very loud and rather rowdy but not difficult to handle. Now Ms Curtain was having a class in print making which I could already tell was going to be daunting. Personally I have no talent with printmaking and find it a media which all sorts of problems can arise when teaching it to a class. I will make a note now that I did notice there was one girl whom the other students seemed to focus on. Negatively. She ended up in the center of a lot of bickering. Personally I suspect she provoked other subtly but it's possible she might've also been a center for bullying. Of course another possibility is that I read too much into the whole thing. All in all I ended up being in charge of supplying damp print paper so Ms Curtain had time to supervise the actual printing, inking and press. I could tell right away it could get out of hand and sure enough I could barely keep up despite using a few tricks like drying four at a time! Honestly I don't know how Ms. Curtain would've managed without help. I think she would've somehow found the time to prepare it before class (though she had to be somewhere else before class) but she knew I would be there.
-LUNCH BREAK-
Note: Everyday I will have one or two periods for lunch so I'll be using the time to write up my experience. This will be the format I will write these blog posts.
So after lunch there was Jackie Hatch's 7th grade class which I was then told was one of the worst classes they had ever had in terms of discipline which I'm sure was an exaggeration but none-the-less made note of the warning. From the very beginning she was very strict with them and unrelenting in telling them to keep silent in order for them to concentrate. And I did see right away they were a very very talkative group, being very gossipy especially in terms of relationships and competitive endeavors which was indeed a problem. Sometimes a little discussion is fine esp if it's to do with the class but unfortunately the group was very easy distracted from their work. This was of course because many were not into the project (I did notice a good number did definitely seem to be enjoying the project-having indulged in more colors and completed more or being generally more enthusiastic). As Hatch pointed out, they were used to the primary way of completing a work in a day and needed to learn how to commit more to a single piece. Looking back I realize that was actually not the experience I had had having spent what felt like forever day after day on a duplication of the Mona Lisa in charcoal after the other students had finished theirs which was encouraged by my teacher- something I was actually grateful for in the end...
As I said the group was very easily distracted so the of course unfortunately immediately took a great in who I was. I say unfortunately because I was now a factor that would distract them from work. Philip and Karim were two boys Hatch ended up sending outside for being talkative so I decided to follow them outside in order to make sure they did work. Now that I think about it that might have been a mistake since as I said I was the distraction and they did continue to ask questions but they did make the effort to work on their pieces while talking with a little encouragement so I'm not sure.
One thing I worry about is that I know my subject and believe i can teach it but I think one of my biggest weaknesses at the moment is knowing how to be firm and how to enforce discipline. This is something I'm focusing a little attetion on.
And lastly Boyd had another class of seventh graders which he was teaching pottery. Not an incredibly eventful lesson. I simply helped students where I could. One thing I did notice was the need to get the lesson started as soon as possible since it was a single period and there was barely any time between after they had found their piece and when they had to pack everything away.
Now I've written the days event up and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. and this time I'll be prepared with a camera.
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