TAB LEARNING: SCULPTURE CENTER!!!

The Week has been inspiring.  I have to say, I don't think I would have been able to roll out TAB CENTERS in my first years of teaching.  I think anyone with a weak constitution and a need for control would go mad.  This is my 10th year teaching at Shenendehowa and what a great way to ring in another year than to CHANGE IT UP.
My classroom is buzzing with an electric energy of creativity and wonder.
Some things I don't miss hearing :

I can't.. (followed by tears)(then I get to administer a mini counseling session)
I messed up (followed by crumpled paper)( and anger)
Mine doesn't look good
Can I be done?
Is this good enough?
Can I free draw now?

These kids are CRAVING wide open assignments that allows them to release the little treasures inside of them.

Imagine a safe place where your child can discover

Read More

Week 3 COLLAGE CENTER

This week has been challenging as a traveling art teacher.  I travel between two schools that are set up very differently.  The space is much smaller at my travel location but the kids are EATING up the random supplies and materials that are available there.

Students at my travel school are using magazines, raffia, buttons, foam shapes, paper and foam board.  This has been such a great three weeks.  I have not yet had a student ask "is this okay?"  or come to me concerned with their abilities.  There is a ALL SYSTEMS GO sense of creativity going on in the room.  YES, this is purely exploration during these weeks, but I cant wait to see what happens in the future.   As for any advise about starting TAB.. Embrace the CHAOS.  Your room will be completely destroyed hourly.. But with a good system of clean up. Your kids will be your best defense for an overwhelming mess.

Read More

Painting Center!

Week 2 of TAB ART!

This week we are learning 6 different techniques of painting.

Dabbing

Texture

Light Beams

Drybrush

Blending

Sgraffito

Students have the CHOICE to explore these painting techniques by simply testing them on paper, OR they can choose to create a PAINTING applying the 6 techniques.

Read More

Welcome Back to School Karigon! Transitioning to TAB?!?!?!

Yes Karigon, I have decided to transition to TAB Learning for Karigon Elementary School.  This decision comes after two years of "sitting on" the idea after discovering TAB via one of my new students.  It was 2 years ago that one of my 'new to Karigon' 5th Grade students didnt like my lesson.  He claimed that "in my old school if I didn't like the lesson.. I didn't have to do it.".  Highly skeptical of his statement but TOTALLY intrigued by his conviction I asked the student the name of his old school.  That afternoon I reached out to the school's art teachers with investigative uncertainty.  The reply... YES! that was the way the school taught art.  I WAS FLOORED.
They later went on in the response sharing the practice of TAB teaching.. which is TEACHING ARTISTIC BEHAVIORS.  This allows choice in the art room and students are treated like artists rather than art reproduction machines.  I immediately shared this method with my peers and held on to the idea ... I guess until the right time.

The time is NOW.  During the summer I met with two other Shenendehowa Art Teachers that were eager to explore this TAB Learning style.  With the approval from our Administrator we began planning and scheming how our rooms would function.   After the first week of school, I am happy to report that the Centers are working great!  I travel between schools and I hope that this wont ruin my plan to keep a TAB classroom.

This week we are staring choice based art! This style art is all about CHOICE and encouraging Problem Solving Learners.  Please notice the smile of this student that has explored the DRAWING CENTER.

• Week 1 - THE DRAWING CENTER

Students are encouraged to EXPLORE all Drawing TOOLS in our Drawing center!

These include PENCIL, PEN, CRAYON, COLOR PENCIL, MARKERS AND OIL PASTELS.

I am very excited about the outcome!  

Next week: Then PAINTING CENTER!

Read More

David Hockney under water paintings

Read More