13 Things About Our Class Art Mural

1. I am so excited about the finished project.
2. The students loved working with the paint and getting to "play" with the hand prints and footprints.
3. The theme is "Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds".
4. Our tree says "Healthy Bodies + Healthy Minds = The Tree of Power".
5. We were given three weeks to complete the mural.
6. Those three weeks included buying materials and searching for that creative idea (along with normal lessons and a holiday).
7. The project was supposed to be created in such a way that you could see that the students completed a majority of it.
8. Some look more like an adult completed it.....but oh well....let's not dwell on that. :)
9. My knees are still quite sore from being on the floor with the students. 
10. The only part that I did on this was outline the tree, divided the sky from the grass, and the branches.
11. They learned how to make sure that the paint strokes were light and in the same direction, a little bit of paint goes a long way, and everyone has their niche.
12. I learned not to stress over the simple things, to realize that others will also have something better, and to know that in the whole scheme of things this is not that important.
13. The students and community can vote on the art murals ($1.00=1 vote).  I wasn't too thrilled about this because several classrooms have parents and family members with loaded wallets.  I just don't want my students to be disappointed.  However, I noticed Friday that my students were pleased with their project (even after seeing the others).  Lesson learned by students and the teacher.

I am posting more of the pictures in my picture window!  Thanks for stopping by!

TESTING

As a child I don't recall ever telling a teacher that I didn't "want" to do something.  Today we gave a practice state test, and although I know it will be more difficult than last year I did expect them to try to complete it.  However, I should have known that I was asking too much.  For some reason I have noticed that students today want everything handed to them.  In some regard they get what they want.  For example, I can't give a student a grade below 50.  So let's say that you have a student who really tries to complete the assignment but just doesn't know the information (due to inability not lack of study).  They make a 50.  Then, you have another student who doesn't care, signs his name, marks a few answers (or writes something you can't read), and turns in the paper.  Well, they can't make a zero....that wouldn't be fair.  So, let's give them a 50.

Well, back to today.  They were sleepy.  They glanced at passages and answered questions.  They didn't read the passages and went straight for the questions. (We discussed several times that you do not skip the passage.  You read the questions first; then go back and read the passage.)  They turned the paper sideways, played with pencils, stared at the wall, kicked their feet, and twirled their hair.  The one thing they did not do was pay attention to test.  Yet, I am held accountable for their test scores.  How can I control what they do?  URGH!!!!

ART MURAL

Our PTO wanted to raise money for a new playground.  If that is what they feel is important, then sobeit.  (I could have made a list of many other things needed by the school.)  Anyhow, in order to make more money we are having an art exhibit.  Each class is making a 4 x 8 mural.  The mural with the most votes ($1.00 per vote) wins the competition.  It's not the mural that I have an issue with, but the time in which we had to do it.  We were given three weeks.  The deadline was set so that they could meet a deadline with someone that would match the funds earned. In those three week (really only wanted to give us two), we had to find a theme, buy the board and art supplies, take nine-weeks tests, complete observations, get all make-up work completed, attend training, take a one day holiday, and spend two days taking practice tests.  Hmmm....just don't know when the art mural fits into this schedule.  Needless to say, we have been painting for the last two days.  I'm usually the teacher that likes to think out of the box and use materials that provide a 3-D effect.  However, this time I don't care if it is creative......I just want it finished!

I graded my vocabulary test from last week and needless to say I was quite disappointed.  My vocabulary list builds each week which means that you will have a longer list, but there are only a few new words.  I asked the students to write down why they made a failing grade.  Here are a few of the responses.

• I didn't have time to study because I had spelling homework. (Funny thing....he hasn't turned in his spelling homework for two weeks.)
• I studied but my sister was playing and I paid more attention to her.
• I didn't study.  I didn't want to study.
• I didn't study.  I went to my cousin's house. (They have the whole week to study, so I couldn't understand how one day at his cousin's house caused him to fail!  Go figure!)
• I was too busy playing with my step brother and sister to study.
• I didn't study because I didn't think I needed to.
• I didn't study.  I was watching t.v.
• I didn't study because I had to go to bed. (Of course, my question was "When did you start studying?"
• I didn't study enough!
• I didn't study real well because I had to watch t.v. ("had" to watch t.v.  What...was it life or death?)

Then, to really put things in perspective I gave a test on the continents.  Yes, I told them they had to label the continents and spelling counted. 

Student:  Are you going to write the continents on the board?

Teacher:  Hmmm.... now if I did that I would give you the answers.

Student:  Well, then how will I know how to spell them?

Teacher:  Remember I told you that spelling counted.

Student:  Oh...well I guess I will just spell Alabama the best I can.  (No....you guessed it.  We are not in Alabama.)

13 random facts about my week and next week!

1. I stressed over a class art mural.  It has to be worthy enough for people to vote (pay) for it.
2. I'm also supposed to teach and give a practice state test while doing this mural.
3. Luckily, I have wonderful and creative friends that helped me shape my idea into something easy.  The kids are going to love it.
4. I went to training on Friday, because it was supposed to be different than what I had already learned.
5. It wasn't. It was the same.  BORING!
6. The GA class is completing a exciting project for those families that visit during our dedication service.  Each family will receive a bible with several verses marked, information about the church, and a card from the girls.  They seemed to be enjoying this project.
7. I've lost seven pounds!  YES!
8. Our school is having a biggest loser contest.  I'm not in it (knew better..can't part with the $100).  It has been interesting to watch them watch what everyone is eating. 
9. It was especially funny when they were sending cupcakes and other candy to each other.  You know they really wanted it, but wouldn't give in to the challenge.
10. My students are so bouncy and ready for spring break.
11. Their teacher is bouncy and ready for spring break.
12. I cut the grass today for the first time this spring.  Thus starts a long and never ending process.
13. Finally, the best for last.  One of my students wanted to give me her banana.  They know I love having bananas for my snack. I already had one and politely said no and thanked her.  I told her I had one, and she could keep hers.  She said that she really didn't want it now.  I asked why.  She said.....I don't really like them when they're rusted.

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