Mary Oliver

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?"









Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Creativity




I'm making good progress on the sweater. I think I'm about half way through, based on the number of balls I've used. And with some time off next week for Thanksgiving, I may actually finish this by November 30, in keeping with the NaKniSweMo KAL! And even if I don't, it means I'm on track to finish by Christmas, which is my true goal anyway.



On another topic, maybe it's this time of year, maybe it's the gifted class I'm taking, or maybe it was the vist to see Melissa, but I'm hearing a little voice inside telling me to nurture my creativity. And working feels like it's getting in the way, but obviously that's not changing anytime soon. So how to make sure I'm feeding my soul, if you will?


For instance, I think this gifted class has really been a good experience for me, but it is also seriously encroaching on my "free" time. Not only is it the actual time spent in class, but it's also the amount of time I spend working outside of class, including the time I spend just thinking about what assignments I need to complete. And yet, I really feel as if I've gained a lot of insight from it.


Today, as a direct result of the last class session, I did a different sort of review activity with my honors students. After showing them a couple of different leaves I had picked up outside, I gave them construction paper and told them to cut out a leaf shape of their own design, and had them use it to create a review of the material we've been studying. There were very few rules, other than a time limit. I hung up their leaves in the hallway for a seasonal look, but it's much more than just decorational, it is instructional! Here are some of the results, and I couldn't have been more pleased.
So many different ways to demonstrate the content, plus it allowed them some time to be creative. It was so much fun to watch their facial expressions as they worked. I love it when things come together like this!

I've also told the girls (Mere, Melissa, and Stef) that I plan on having "art camp" when they are all here at Christmas. We're going to craft and create to our heart's content! Doesn't it sound like fun?

2 comments:

  1. I really like the leaf project. Those kids did a fantastic job - very creative on both sides.

    That sweater is such a pretty color.

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  2. When my family does Thanksgiving in Wisconsin, I always have an art project for the girls. I don't know if anyone will set it up in Williamsburg, though.

    I'm jealous that you have a gifted class. That would be such a nice change of pace! I had a helluva week that included testifying in court against one of my students and tracking down three of them with a police officer. Teaching? Who has time for that!

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