Well...I am trying to get my bills paid --but this
post keeps popping into my head....and Martha just
called me -- so I'm not leaving for a couple of hours
now....She can't do "Chinese" today (I'll pick up a
couple of fortune cookies on the way).
Many of you come to "us" only when you need
help....and it is usually "I need it now".
I am going to help you out -- and help us out, too.
1. Do a Getty "artsednet" - plus your topic (pick a
couple key words) - in Google - See what has been said
already. We need those archives to be used.
2. Do a Google search - enter a few key words - and
see how quickly your topic might come up. You might
have your question answered already on first page
Google. That will take less time than writing out your
question....and waiting for answers...Then make a post
to the list what great stuff you found! and see if we
know more.
3. Put as much information into your subject line as
possible. I have many emails in my In Box with up to
eight words (that seems to be all that will fit in
Outlook - I am sending this to me - just to see if my
subject line fits).
4. Give us as much information as possible when you
ask a question. What grade level/age kids? What kind
of materials you have on hand? How much of a budget
you have for the project (this is sometimes helpful)?
When are you planning to do the lesson? How long you
intend to work on the unit (do you want something for
only one class period - or can this go on for several
classes)?
5. After you get some responses -- think about what
all has been said. Mull over the great ideas - Look at
your supplies again and visual resources -- and post
back to the list thanking everyone with a "This is
what I am going to do." Show in your post how you
borrowed a little from each idea that was shared and
came up with you own approach. My friend Jeannie does
this all the time...She rarely asks the list for
help...but she always values everyone's time who
responded to her -- and meshes all the ideas into one
SUPER project. I did this too when I was on the poster
committee for our county art shows. I took everyone's
ideas and meshed them into one poster design. I did
all the prep work for printing - but I let everyone
else on the committee be the "idea factory". I was the
one who had the screen printing know how. Everyone was
happy.
6. Optional: When your project is done - send one
image to Incredible Art Department to share in the
File for Sharing Folder. This is for folks who do not
have web sites. By all means DO share on your own
site.
7. Optional: When everyone "Ooos and ahs" your
work....Offer the lesson plan (if you have it on
computer file already)....and send that to Incredible
Art Department for the file for sharing folder. No one
is expected to write up any plan just for IAD -- but
many of you have them on computer file anyways for
your self. Yes... I do write up plans for the lessons
I really want, too... I have many in my to do folders
- and will email the art teacher over the summer on
many of them.
8. Post every now and then answering some of list
member's questions. Let us know that you are
"listening" even when you do not need help.
9. Do not post to the list if my post offends you as
it is not intended to offend anyone. My post also is
not intended to be "controlling" -- so no need to post
that either. I just write what is on my mind and hope
someone out ther ewill read it...I know there is
always ONE person who does. Also...Do not email me
privately if this post offends you. I do't want to
know that either.
10. If you want me (Judith Decker)to read and give an
answer for everything you post -- join Art Education
list...as I am still answering every post on the list
serve. Otherwise - stay on Getty and hope others will
come through for you.
11. This part is important - Keep your fingers crossed
and hope Getty List doesn't disappear when I click
send (smile). Last time I "vented" - the list was gone
for several days.
Cheers! and I hope this is helpful to one and all. If
not...please accept my apology (smile).
