Today was okay...I'm feeling more hopeful because my students are actually
working...well most of them. I still have one student who is deeply
problematic. I don't know if I mentioned it, but he drew a picture of himself shooting a
teacher and saying "Die teacher die." Very disturbing. I sent it
immediately to the counselor, and he is now being put on a behavior contract. He is the
source of a lot of the problem with that class because he constantly roams
the room and messes with the other students. Besides that, my kids are
working...which I will take! They are finishing up their Op Art projects tomorrow and
then I need to figure out where I should take them next. Believe it or not,
some of my students want to learn how to shade now! Many of my 6th graders
asked me to show them the pointilism technique I had used in two of my own
drawings. I then asked the class to raise their hands if they would be interested
in learning it. Almost the entire class raised their hands! I was so pleased
and honestly shocked. I asked my 7th/8th grade class (the real problem
class), and some said they would be interested.
So, I'm curious if any of you have some ideas about a fairly easy, yet cool
looking, pointilism project, or do you think I should just set up simple still
lifes and explain that technique? I also thought about having them bring in a
photo or magazine clipping and have them draw the image on a paper and use
pointilism. I did that once in college. After this, I think I might have them
do the aboriginal project that was posted recently. I'm doing some research
for it now, but I thought that I could either let them use the little bit of
tempera paint I have or have them use pastels to make cool animals. I'm still
looking into the graffiti project, but I'm having trouble locating books and
videos, which I'd like to find. My local library does not have much, and I
might have to order some things.
Anyway, thanks as always. You guys truly are invaluable!
