Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Embracing the Visual Arts ~ {Updated}

I recently came across the website link for this Canadian art appreciation resource that works across the grade levels, written by Christian curriculum writer, Cyndy Regeling. You can learn more about this resource here: The Great Canadian Artpak

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Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. ~ Pablo Picasso
Art lessons can be messy as paint splashes and collage scrappings bring colour to unwanted places. But beyond all the messies, if you look carefully, fine masterpieces can be found. In fact, I dare to say that in someone's eyes, all child shapened creations are masterpieces. And may I be even bolder to suggest that each of us has an artist within, bursting to create and produce something that is beautiful, simply because we made it.


Teaching Tip:

To help solidify the concepts learned through visual art creating, I have posted a simple activity called "Image Development Statement" in Mrs. Holder's Online Classroom. This activity provides the student with an opportunity to title her "masterpiece", explain the medium or material used, and describe what her work of art is about and/or the message that it is trying to convey. An image development statement is not necessary to complete with every art activity, but it is a valuable extension to include as part of your child's art experience every now and then.

For all students, whether focusing on visual arts or not, being exposed to the Great Artists of the past is both fascinating and inspiring. If you would like to explore visual art without getting your hands dirty, here are some resources that can help you get started:

Art History Packs - Hand-on Activities to Learn About 33 Artists

Kid's Art Art History - Masters Gallery

Smart About Art Books

*** If you are interested in ordering any of the above resources, then please email joy@ark.net with the website link and your order details.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Life Journaling

Journal Entry #10

 
Guiding the little ones to think upon how to be a blessing. Pondering the teaching for myself. Committing with ink on the pages of our journals...

Idea:
  1. Create an acronym for the word BLESS.
  2. Decide on two, or three, or more ways to bless others within the month ahead.
  3. Be a blessing.