This year I haven’t done any fun art (craft) activities with my class. None at all. That’s not to say that I did a bunch the previous two years but I did some. This year, we have done none aside from the drawings and illustrations that are directly supported by curriculum, because gosh forbid I should deviate from the curriculum (it’s not that bad… yet). I have switched classes with other teachers so I could teach the other class Palm basics. While with the other teacher, my students have found refuge from the curriculum with some fun craft activities, but not under my watch. That is until Tuesday.
I whipped out my growing pile of construction paper and I decided that we were going to make some turkeys. The only thing that even hinted at academics was following directions and writing down 5 things that they were thankful for.
I asked them to get their art boxes out. “For what?” one student asked (one of them who has trouble staying in one place for more than 1.25 seconds).
“Get them out and I will tell you.”
“Ah man, are we going to another teacher again? I thought you were our teacher!”
“I am your teacher, but I have to show the other classes the Palms, remember I promised that to PTO.”
“So we are going to another teacher.”
“Just get out your art box before I do send you to another teacher.”
“You wouldn’t, you like me too much.”
“You’re right.”
“So what are we doing?”
“Get out your art box.”
After everyone got out their art box I said something about making thanksgiving turkeys.
The restless student decided I needed his input again, “We are doing an art activity?… With you?” This from the child that frequently complements my drawing skills, I guess drawing is not “art.”
“Remember what I said about not sending you to another teacher? I just changed my mind.”
He got quiet.
The activity went really well. I left it open ended to allow students to come up with their own ideas. They didn’t like that. I showed them how to make the body, but the feather and face were up to them. They could make them anyway they wanted, but each feather needed to say one thing that they were thankful for.
Here is the model I made, without any thankful statements on the feathers because if I did, most students would just write down what I wrote.
Here is an example of student work:
More here.
So don’t ever say I am a slave driver! (Which a parent called me last week, but he did it in a joking manner.)
If you want the folding directions, find them here.
Class dismissed!
I am pleased to enclose your AARP Membership Registration and temporary membership card.
I just need a change, and after I went to the trouble of making all kinds of holiday themed headers with the old logo. Oh well, I might get tired of this real quick.
