Over the last three weeks, I have begun to recognize and remember all of my students' names, I am in process of my first grading cycle, and will engage in parent-teacher conferences next week. Whew! My coworkers are great! Super helpful and supportive. If life were perfect, there would not be challenging (patience testing) situations. I must find a way to convince my wayward students to join the activities. I must find that bridge of connection, so that it means something to them. They do not make it easy. I still have a lot to learn at this school, so many things I do not know. We are approaching midterms, which feels weird in relation to my time there. Quarter grades will be due fairly soon and so many of my students still have missing work. I am worried for them, some do not seem concerned at all.
In one of my classes, I introduced a new project and had to clarify some parameters. Since I did not start the year with these kids, they have no idea of my expectations in the studio , and I do not know their understanding of studio practice other than what they have showed me. That said, we talked about certain symbology that would create distress within our environment, and that we are all part of a community of learners and artists that desire a safe space in which to create. There were lots of questions and pushing of boundaries. I attempted to make clear that what they did on their own time, not funded by community dollars, in their own house and own supplies, was their business and they could create whatever they wanted. I wanted them to understand that I was not trying to censor their entire span of expression but maintain a level of professionalism, due to a learning environment.
Here's to a fun, safe, creative, learning environment!
In one of my classes, I introduced a new project and had to clarify some parameters. Since I did not start the year with these kids, they have no idea of my expectations in the studio , and I do not know their understanding of studio practice other than what they have showed me. That said, we talked about certain symbology that would create distress within our environment, and that we are all part of a community of learners and artists that desire a safe space in which to create. There were lots of questions and pushing of boundaries. I attempted to make clear that what they did on their own time, not funded by community dollars, in their own house and own supplies, was their business and they could create whatever they wanted. I wanted them to understand that I was not trying to censor their entire span of expression but maintain a level of professionalism, due to a learning environment.
Here's to a fun, safe, creative, learning environment!
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