Robot Art Lesson Ideas

Robots are such a great theme for an art lesson!  Students can let their imaginations go wild while thinking of all kinds of tasks that the robots can perform.  Robots also offer a chance to practice a few different lesson objectives, as the examples below will demonstrate.

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Leave a Comment 3D Art Project, Alton Darby Elementary, Classroom Visits, Drawing, Lesson Ideas, Robots

Assessing the Thought Process

I read a blog post by Melissa Purtee that asserts that we should be assessing learning not just the work.  Or at least using a balanced approach that includes assessing both the learning and the work.  

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Assessments with Writing

Getting students to reflect and self-assess can be tricky.  Sometimes "less is more" ... when the assessment tool looks less intimidating, students are more likely to use it and give you good information.  

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Getting Students Involved in Assessment

You might say that I’m a little assessment obsessed! I’m so obsessed with assessments, that I made my master’s project about assessment. Wait, what … YOU LOVE ASSESSING! You might be saying to yourself. Well, no, in fact I don't like assessing. I’d much rather be making art projects. But that is why I made it my mission to figure out the best way to do this. If I’m going to spend a great deal of my time doing something, I want to know that I’m doing it the best way possible. 

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A Peek Inside the Norwich Art Room

 I recently had a chance to meet with some Hilliard teachers to talk about my Op Art lessons.  While in the Norwich Art Room I could help but notice how wonderful all the signs that Jamie made were.  She's been teaching in this room for less than a year and has really created a wonderful space! 

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Leave a Comment Classroom Visits, Drawing Spinner, Norwich Art

Avatars: A Lesson about IDENTITY

I recently developed an Avatar Lesson. The inspiration for this lesson was trying to come up with a lesson that could turn into a collaborative project with each students work on a square.  I wanted students to show their identity in a visually interesting way.  The visual in my head reminded me of a friends list on Facebook, where each student was represented by a profile picture or avatar.  I looked online at avatars, and was inspired by the graphic cartoon-like avatars that some people create.

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Leave a Comment Avatars, Colored Pencils, Drawing, Identity, Lesson Ideas, Markers

What's the Story Behind the Logo?

I'm joining Jenny K's fun linky that will let you know the story behind many of the logos you see on blogs and TpT.

Here is the story behind Expressive Monkey's logo.

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Glass Magnets

I'm putting this activity together for the Old Hilliardfest as a free activity sponsored by the Hilliard Arts Council.  Here are the steps to make these beautiful glass magnets.  

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Leave a Comment Colored Pencils, Drawing, Lesson Ideas, Markers, Mod Podge, Technique Demos

The Visual Structure of Sketchnotes

Before you start sketchnote taking, it's important to think about which visual structure you will use.  Each structure has advantages and will work best for different kinds of information. 

The flowing structure works best for a sequence of events, functioning like a timeline.

The flowing structure also works for information that branches out like the branches of a tree. 

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Stained Glass Butterfly

I was looking for a technique to make an easy stained glass butterfly using wax paper.  Here is what I came up with.  

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Leave a Comment butterflies, Lesson Ideas, stained glass, Technique Demos, wax paper

Wacky Birds with Chalk Pastels

I love using the wacky birds as a drawing lesson with students.  They are so much fun to draw and students can relax a little knowing that things don't have to be perfect.

Here are some steps to turn wacky bird drawings into fun chalk pastel art.

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Leave a Comment Birds, Chalk Pastels, Drawing, Lesson Ideas, Sharpie Markers, Technique Demos, Wacky Birds