Google Forms Survey & Result Spreadsheet

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&pli=1&formkey=dGZGbXQyc1FtV2kxRkpxSnRmenV2WGc6MQ#gid=0

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AlJKrPPYIoW6dGZGbXQyc1FtV2kxRkpxSnRmenV2WGc&hl=en

Instructional Video

Uploading Images from Picasa

Beautiful Fall colors

BYU vs. USU Football Game!

frozen pond behind the house.

.

Safe Blogging 101

Being a safe blogger is one of the most important things to remember in a day and age where hackers and identity theft are so prevalent. Some guidelines to being a safe blogger include the following:
1. Never give out personal information: While this may seem like a common sense rule it's surprising how many people give out personal information through a blog. It is extremely dangerous because you never know who may find or come across your blog. If someone who can steal your identity does, then the information will easily fall into their hands. It's just as important too I think to not reveal too much information about friends or relatives. A simple first name or even changing a first name I believe is the best way to go and the best way to keep everyone safe.
2. Assume what you post on the Web is permanent: My sister has had personal experience with this. She has posted before about a boss who then read the postings. It is so important to remember that anyone can read, print out or save a blog post no matter what security measures you may take. Even if you choose to go back and delete a post, someone may have already accessed it and printed or saved it. This is why it's important to always consider what you post carefully and to be sure you are posting positive things that you will not regret having posted later. It's also important again, to not post any future plans etc. because that information could also fall into the wrong hands even if you go back and delete it.
3. Never post provocative pictures: This is another crucial element is photos. Clearly one should carefully inspect each photo because it can fall into the wrong hands too if someone takes it from your blog. However, it's also important to scan backgrounds of photos, information that may be in the photo because if someone see's it they could get upset, make arguments or possibly take legal action. I think everyone should look and review photos so carefully before posting on the blog.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/family-safety/blogging.aspx
4. Limit your audience: This is another guideline I think that everyone should take seriously. If one is blogging for the purpose of a business or to spread news etc., then sure leave the blog open and private, however for any personal bloggers I would highly recommend upping the privacy settings. For instance, my blog is only readable to those who email me and I approve. This is the same with many of my friends blogs. It's a great safety measure and a great way to ensure that the information will have a better chance of not falling into the wrong hands.
http://www.eff.org/wp/blog-safely

The Pedagogy of Blogs

Blogs are a wonderful teaching resource that can be used in the classroom now. With the various educational blogs that are out there, parents can be more involved with student's and what they learn in the classroom. It is also a great tool and way for students to learn about and how to use various technology. For instance the sixth graders at Oak Ridge use a blog and it's used for them to explore the Internet, comment and the best part is the teacher posts assignments there as well. I think as a teacher I would love to have a class blog. It would be great to help students make postings related to various subjects we are studying and a wonderful way to not only keep parents informed but to receive feedback in the comments form. Of course teaching the children how to blog is a great tool they will surely use in their future. the 2M Gems blog also posts various announcements for students and parents and posts videos of things that have gone on in class. It's great to see so much student involvement in the blog versus a blog that is run solely by the teacher.


http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=65078

http://oakridgesixthgrade.edublogs.org/about/
http://www.2mgems.blogspot.com/

Batik

In class we got to Batik. It is a really fun process and even though the paint bled on mine I still think the process is a wonderful one to use with students or at home. I chose to do a big sun in the middle of my fabric because my name is Summer and so it fit perfectly.

Wire Sculpture as a 2nd Language Learner

In class this week we made wire sculptures. The trick though was all of us but one had a special need. I was a 2nd language learner so I got the instructions for the project in sign language. The only words we came up with were cat and monster so I created a cat-fish. It was very hard to understand but the whole event definitely gave us great insight into students who have special needs that we will encounter in our classrooms.

African Masks

Creating a mask from a milk jug was an incredibly fun project. I wanted my mask to have character and be fun at the same time. I decided to paint it bright and gave it a nose using the handle of the jug. The hair reminds me of pebbles and luckily stick straight up. I had so so much fun with this project and I would wear this mask anytime.

Map themed Project

The map of my life is one that simply describes several aspects of my life. It starts with ol Buhl, ID. My hometown where I was raised and that I love dearly. The map continues on with images of a piano, and various cut outs of my trusted car that has constantly gotten me to the places I have needed to go the past 5 years. It ends with Logan, where I am studying to be a teacher and can't wait to be finished.

Google Sketch Up

In class we learned how to use Google Sketch Up. It is one amazing program! So very useful and I can see that there are many professions that could benefit from it. We had to create a building using various architectural items like columns. While I had a really difficult time with the program I was mostly pleased with the end result. The best part of the project was being able to decorate with the items in the program.

Scratch Board

We got to make our own scratch boards and then put the alphabet on them. It was one of my favorite projects. I loved coloring with the crayons and then having to think about, and be creative with the letters. This project would be so great for any Elementary grade to help them review not on the alphabet but other subjects as well. This scratch board came out with a bright, crazy, fun personality just like I hoped it would.

Pinch Pot/Coil Pot

Petroglyphs

We got to create some fun petroglyphs in class using yarn, glue and cardboard. It was such a fun idea although choosing what symbols would represent you was a tough one. I however chose to do (from right to left then down), dots, that represent to me, chocolate chips because i LOVE chocolate chip cookies. I also tried to make a sun with rays although it looks more like a creature with three feet. Finally I did a pair of glasses because most of my life I have had to have glasses/contacts. Creating the symbols was a great exercise in thinking about one's life and what the symbols mean to you.

Watercolor Resist

When we did the watercolor resist we had to do it as though we were looking out our window. I chose to use my bedroom window from my house in Buhl, ID. From that window is a view I have memorized over the years. It is one of my favorite views to see in this world. I see trees, and not just a couple like this shows but TONS of trees. I can see our rock wall, and then I can see forever starting with our neighbors pastures. It is a place that has defined me and the view from the window has had a huge role in that.

African Masks

http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/masks/baule.htm

African Masks

The Materials of an African Mask

African masks are made from different materials: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, terra cotta and glazed pottery, raffia and textiles. They are often decorated with cowrie shells, coloured beads, bone, animal skins and vegetable fibre.

However, the majority of masks and sculptures are made of wood for two reasons:

1. Trees are in plentiful supply in the forest.

2. The carver believes that the tree has a spiritual soul and its wood     is the most natural home for the spirit in the mask.

Before it is cut down, a sacrifice may be offered as a mark of respect to the spirit of the tree requesting its permission for the carving. Its life is governed by the same natural and supernatural forces that inspire the artist and his community. This type of ritual is common to many cultures that have a close spiritual bond with nature.

Wooden masks are often coloured with natural dyes and pigments created from vegetables, plants, seeds, tree bark, soil and insects. Occasionally they are splashed with sacrificial blood to increase their spiritual power.

The tools used to make a carving - traditionally the Adze - are also endowed with their own particular spirits. When tools are passed down through different generations, they sometimes inherit the spirit and skills of their previous owners. They, like the artist, his carving, and the tree from which it came, are all part of that 'oneness' of nature - the ecological vision that informs all African tribal culture.

Objectives:

1. Compare and contrast various forms of artistic expression associated with specific groups of people, geographic regions, or time periods.
2. Investigate processes and beliefs used by various cultures and institutions, past and present, to create works of art -- Describe how artists use materials, tools, images, and ideas to create works of art.
3. Speculate about a work of art, i.e. who made it; what materials, techniques and skills were used; its intended purpose/audience; and how it was used -- Discover how an object is similar in function but different in structure due to who made it, materials used, and how and when it was made -- Identify the cultural clues found within arts forms and events -- Compare and discuss works of art based on similar sources of inspiration.
4. Control a variety of materials (clay, mixed media), tools techniques and processes while creating works of art -- Recognize how technical elements affect works of art. Explore texture and draped slab method of construction. Try additive and subtractive sculptural techniques.
5. Connect ides, materials, processes and techniques while creating works of art -- Assess, revise or adjust art products through a reflective process --Integrate planning
6. Discover how a group's beliefs and values are reflected in its art forms and stylistic choices

Materials:

Mask handouts, 9 x12 Newsprint (some may want longer paper for horns), Pencils, Scissors, Clay (self hardening clay may be used, too), Newspapers, Canvas, Guide sticks, Rolling Pin, slip dishes, Clay, Clay Tools, Clay Needle Tool, Fettling Knives, texture gadgets (old Play-Dough tools are great), stamps, various Texture Tools, wood/Masonite boards, moist paper towels, plastic bags

For finishing:

Acrylic Paint (brown, black and assorted colors), Paint Markers, Brushes, water dishes,
wire for hanging (old telephone wire works great), jute, Assorted Yarn, Assorted Beads, gems, natural stones, shells, raffia, horsehair, boas, natural seed pods, and other nature things...moss, feathers, etc - Be creative! Tacky Glue, Glue Gun, Glue Gun Glue Sticks

Resources:
Book "African Sculpture Speaks" - A systematic style guide analyzes the characteristic features of the different styles of tribal sculpture, and a special chapter for the collector tells how to buy and care for African art. Segy also discusses the styles of the main sculpture-producing tribes in East and South Africa.
Art and Life of Africa - CD-Rom University of Iowa
New! African Masks: Burkina Faso - DVD by Christopher Roy
African Art Techniques: Wood, Cloth, Metal, Clay
Teacher made PowerPoint of mask images -- and/or slides (St. Louis Museum of Art has an excellent introduction to African Art with cassette tape) - Numerous prints
Playful Performers - Why Wear a Mask? - National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. - online exhibit to bring to young people an enhanced understanding of the many roles that masks play in various African societies and cultures. Must see!
Masks from Many Cultures - Crystal Production Video
See African Masks- Site gives a nice overview of styles, materials used and reasons for masks of Africa - shows a few examples (graphics not photos- but still good enough for students to get the idea) -- and there is a short quiz. The hands on project is a positive/negative space design (one exactly like I did with 6th graders and 3rd graders)
Kanika African Sculpture - See African inspired masks by Kanika Marshall

Technology in Art Education

Art education in today’s schools, as with nearly every other subject can now be expounded upon, taught and experimented with thanks to technology. There are numerous programs and ways to use technology in teaching students about different aspects and ideas about art. “ Using technology to demonstrate teaching and learning is the best way for educators to prove that they are using technology to enhance teaching and learning” (Olejarz). This is extremely true for art educators because the technology is not a ‘lazy’ way of doing art but is instead enhancing what they can teach their students and what the students will learn. For instance, according to Emphasis Art a great way to incorporate technology into teaching art is through, “using computers to learn about symmetry, scaling and proportion” (p. 118). On the National Council on teaching Mathematics web page, there is something called the ‘Patch Tool” which can be used to make quilt type designs. An art teacher could use this program to teach students about shapes as well as math using computers. A great way to teach students about 3 dimensional shapes as well as lines, colors and different architectural eras would be through the program Google SketchUp. With this program students use the computer program and can create numerous designs.  Another wonderful way to use technology in art education is with digital photography. Some schools will loan cameras out to the instructor or for students to use. By using digital photography, the students will also get to learn about photography techniques, how to edit pictures and about art critique. An activity like this for instance, would be great for fifth grade art students. It is age appropriate since most students this age already know how to use digital cameras and they are more likely to understand the use of the camera as well as to be careful with it. The art principles that could be taught to them could be the rule of thirds as well as how to create focal points in pieces of art. Another great piece of technology that could be used in art education is of course, the internet. There are countless programs on the web that can help teach color, shape, the color wheel, videos on how to use oil pastels or charcoal etc. Students, by watching videos can gain another perspective on how to do a certain technique while they can also do interactive art activities online. For instance, there are online activities where the students can practice putting together random shapes and colors to create a Matisse like product. The use of technology in art education is best stated in a quote by Stephanie Reese, “I don’t think technology is replacing traditional art instruction, but I think it’s a really good piece to use alongside it. …It’s really a skill they need to go on and be competitive with the rest of the world."

Clements, Robert D., and Frank Wachowiak. Emphasis Art: A Qualitative Art Program for Elementary and Middle Schools. 9th ed. San Francisco: Allyn & Bacon, 2010. 52-56. Print.

Devaney, Laura. "Technology makes art education a bigger draw." eSchoolNews. N.p., 19 Sept. 2008. Web. 5 Nov. 2010. <http://www.eschoolnews.com/2008/09/19/technology-makes-art-education-a-bigger-draw/>.

Olejarz, Harold. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2010. <http://www.olejarz.com/arted/>.

Age Appropriate Lessons

Age appropriate lessons are important to have especially in the art education classroom. If students are given a lesson with techniques they cannot yet do or do not understand, they will most likely become frustrated or give up when they can't get it. Instructors should want students to succeed in what they are doing and can ensure this by teaching lessons that are age appropriate. 

         The following lesson is a 4th grade lesson. This particular lesson is age appropriate for a couple of reasons. First, 4th grade students are older and usually will find a lesson about a certain artist more interesting and understandable than say a 1st grade class. As for symbols and using pastels, these are also techniques that 4th grade students can handle as they are getting to the point of being able to interpret symbols in other classes like history classes. The lesson will also span two to three days and 4th grade students are able to succeed in this kind of lesson plan as they can handle lessons that are longer and more time intense. This lesson would not be suitable for any grades younger than 4th grade simply because it is a bit more complex as are the techniques used with the pastels and glue.

Getting personal with Marc Chagall

Grade: 4^th

Description: Students will create a Chagall like picture with personal meaning in two classes
Materials Needed:
-scrap paper, at least 8.5" x 11"
-12" x 18" black construction paper
-pencils
-glue
-oil pastels (Cray-Pas are great)
-toothpicks/skewers for -scratching
-tissues for blending
Objectives:
-Students will understand the meanings of surrealism, symbolic and Marc Chagall. ©
-Students will create a piece of art from personal subject matter that has unity. (P)
- Students will practice oil pastel techniques. (P)
-Students will understand how to look at art, what to look for and how to talk about it. Will critique their own pieces. (A)
Standards Addressed:
-Implied Texture: Create visual texture
-Art Criticism: Use artist’s images to look at art, what to look for, how to talk about it.
-Examine how visual artists create the illusion of textures in their art.
-Unity: Elements in work look like they belong together.
-Further develop observational skills by adding structural lines and line designs to show self-expression in the interior features of objects.
Teacher Resources:
-Works by Marc Chagall
Pedagogy:
1. Display works by Chagall ("I And The Village", "Birthday", "Time Is A River without Banks") and lead the class in a discussion. Ask the students to describe what they see, which elements are realistic, and which could only happen in a dream. Have students find similarities between artworks.
2. Ask students to interpret what they see, noting that Chagall preferred not to explain his works in depth, so that many of them are mysterious.
3. Tell students that they will be illustrating a story from their life. Ask them to choose an event that has already happened to them or that they would like to happen in the future. Brainstorm possibilities, such as:
-moving to or from a town
-future careers
-favorite activities
-death of a loved one
-divorce
-baby stories (this always gets a huge response)
Remind students that the subject matter can be happy or sad, but it needs to be personal. Some will find this difficult, so be very careful with comments and critiques.
4. Ask students to sketch their idea onto the scrap paper. Refer to Chagall's works-he painted objects floating around, upside down, etc. Not a strictly realistic drawing, but should have a focal point, preferably in the middle of the page. If not in center, need to use other visual devices to lead our eyes to the most important part.
5. It’s a symbolic picture, and it doesn't necessarily have to make perfect sense to the viewer as long as it tells the story.
6. When students have an acceptable sketch, copy their idea onto the black paper, noting that their pencil lines will not show up quite as well, nor erase well, so they should work carefully.
7. Next, students trace their pencil lines with glue. The glue should dry clear, allowing the black paper to show through, giving the picture a stained-glass effect. There are some tricks to this, and I have found that the Crayola glue in the no-clog bottles (the ones with the strange lid) dries especially clear. You may also want to try black colored glue. When tracing small or detailed objects, have students trace only the outermost contours.
8. When the glue dry, have students begin coloring with oil pastels. Oil pastels look best when colored heavily, although coloring lightly and rubbing with a tissue can create a lovely background. Encourage them to blend colors, even in strange combinations, as it can have a really neat effect. The focal point should generally receive the brightest, richest coloring effects, but definitely not always.
9. Some other techniques to try are patterning (lay down a background color, then draw lines or dots on top; my students' favorite is a dense loop-de-loop), smearing, and scratching (lay down a heavy color/colors, then use a toothpick to scratch lines or details).

 Assessment:

Formative: As students work, discuss what the personal subject matter is, and what symbols are being used to  represent. Discuss with students one on one as they work, how they are using pastels to create textures.

Summative: Rubric with 1-5 scale based on 4 areas.

                        -Did student use symbols to communicate meaning of personal subject matter?

                        -Did student experiment with surrealistic style?

                        -Is there clear focal point?

                        - Did students use at least one texture within piece?

 Adaptations/Integrations/Accommodations:

-Can integrate with language arts by having students write poem or haiku about their picture.

Arts and Crafts.

          In Elementary schools often children do crafts within classrooms such as making a popsicle stick pencil holder or certain Christmas ornaments. During the week however, they also attend art class where they create art. Arts and crafts, while many people use the words interchangeably are quite different for a couple of reasons and often should not be interchanged.

          So what are these differences? And is there a more important one within the elementary art curriculum? Well to start off one must understand the difference between the two. “A craft is usually a cookie-cutter or close-ended activity…based on a formula or recipe and all participants follow the same directions and end up with roughly the same result every time” ( Rayme). Crafts then are more like projects that everyone can do by following steps or a recipe and there is often not much variation to the end result no matter who is doing it. A craft for instance that is common in elementary schools is to make a certain ornament around Christmas time. The teacher or room helper will pass out the same materials to each child and then guide the children step by step in what to do, this results in the children all ending up with say a popsicle stick snowman ornament for their tree. Something that is considered a craft however, does not mean that it is any better than a piece of art or vice versa. “With a craft, the individual is de-emphasized, and the focus is the quality of the product…Craft emphasizes the incremental and long-term” (Hadkins). “Often, if the skill is being used in a common…way, people will consider it a craft…on the other hand, crafts and design are sometimes considered applied art.” (ART).

          When it comes to art, the definition is quite different, “An art activity is more open-ended, meaning the end product is not always going to be the same” (Rayme). “Art emphasizes the role of the person and uniqueness of the object produced” (Hadkins).  For instance, in a given classroom a teacher could instruct students on how to use pastels, a technique, give them the same materials, paper, etc., and ask them to draw a picture that represents them. The results, while similar due to the medium, will surely be extremely different and original based on each child’s perspective. “Art creates an expression or original statement in a meaningful and enduring way” (Rayme). 

          While the two are different ways to create, is there one that is more important? I believe that there is only a slight difference. Crafts are a great way to get a child’s mind to understand certain techniques that they will need to know all their life, for instance cutting and pasting which is common in crafts. I think that crafts should be implemented at least once in a while in the classroom because they give the children opportunities to produce a great piece and again just have some simple fun in the creation process. However, creating art is slightly more important because art projects will provide the child with numerous opportunities and items they will use throughout life. While creating art projects, children learn to think critically, use their imagination, understand how to express themselves, etc. Children will more likely understand and implement these and other concepts throughout the rest of their life if they get to learn them in a fun environment such as an art project where they got to create something special, unique and different.

"ART." Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2010. 

     <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art#Classification_disputes>.

 Hadkins, Evan. "My Father's Work." Compelling Resource. N.p., 23 Feb. 2010. Web. 22

     Oct. 2010. <http://counsellingresource.com/features/2010/02/23/art-and-craft/>.

Rayme, Mary. "Art vs. Craft." Suite101.com. N.p., 13 Oct. 2010. www.google.com. Web. 22 Oct. 2010.

     <http://www.suite101.com/content/art-vs-craft-a296484>.

Motivation

     Motivation for everyone is different especially depending on what the class, task or item is. Motivation for me comes in many different forms depending on what I am doing. For instance, in college and with classes and school, my main motivation comes from my own personal want to learn. I believe that knowledge is one of the most important things we can acquire and if I had all the time and money in the world I would take countless classes. Wanting to learn and know more about various subjects is definitely a huge motivator. Another large part of my motivation comes from wanting to be a good teacher and help others in the world. The reason I am becoming a teacher is because I want to teach children. I think too often children are not given the attention and respect they deserve and I am so motivated by my want to teach them and give them what they deserve. Wanting my parents, family and friends to be proud of me is another thing that motivates me as a learner, which is what motivates many learners. When times get tough whether it's having trouble with a concept or simply being tired of school, what keeps me going is knowing that I want to make my parents proud. I want to graduate and be able to have them be proud of their daughter who graduated college. There are often other reasons I stay motivated as a learner but these are surely the top reasons which I am sure are the same for many.

    As for my future students, I am certain they will be motivated by similar reasons, however at the Elementary age level the reasons can often be different. For instance, many students in elementary grades are motivated by their need for approval and to be praised. Any child in school will automatically get a pleased look on their face when a teacher or parent says they have done a good job or they are proud of them. There again, no matter how young the child, they want their parents to be happy and proud of them. Sometimes another aspect that can motivate learners at those ages is wanting to keep up and be accepted by their classmates. Students, especially in today's society, want more than anything to fit in and be accepted. If s an instructor it will be my job to make sure that students stay motivated but try to gear them in the right direction for being motivated. An example of this being that I want my students to be motivated to learn because they love learning. If students start to enjoy learning at a young age they will be more likely to carry that on throughout their life.

It's about what you taste

Taste is different for everyone. Making an abstract watercolor based on what we tasted in different foods was a wonderful activity that really allowed some expression as well as getting to learn about different watercolor techniques. Who knew that putting salt on watercolors could have such an effect! Trying to draw what I tasted versus what the food looked like was a challenge but I think I managed. My favorites were probably the bottom row, I think those came out better than the above ones.