a day in the life of a wilson student

Today we had the pleasure of seeing our civil rights in motion....and the students at Wilson High School stepped up to the occasion. Proud day to be a Bruin!

Check it out...here

color pre-test

Today we did a pre-test on color. I did this really for only one reason: I had to do a pre-test for school to analyze pre- and post-lesson knowledge but it ends up that this was very entertaining. Here are some of my favorite question/answers (this is exactly how they answered, spelling and all):

Q: How many colors are in the color wheel?

A: 50

Q: What are the three main groups of colors that make up the color wheel? (primary was given)

A: primary, secondary and legendary

A: primary, dark, light

A: primary, secondary, post-secondary

Q: If you mix two primary colors what do you get?

A: another color

A: contemperary

A: the opposite of a primary

Q: What is it called when you add white to a color?

A: whiteanizing

A: adding white

A: "light"

Q: What would it be called if you added black to your color?

A: blackinizing

A: darker color

A: adding black

Q: Yellow, blue and red are called what kind of colors?

A: main colors

A: demented

Q: What is the brightness or dullness of a color?

A: Love

Q: What is the lightness and darkness of a color?

A: shading/no shading

due dates

My first project (pine needle baskets) was due on Friday. My master teacher gives the students a due date but allows them to take about 1-2 weeks outside of class to complete the project; the project must meet the criteria in order to be graded but no points are taken away for late work. My first class turned in seven out of thirty-two students. Not awful but not great. However, my second class turned in one. That's right, one. As in 1. I have thirty-one students in that class and one student turned in work. Yikes! So today we are back at school after another three day weekend and three students came in during lunch to work on their projects. Three! So by week's end I may have five baskets. What the hell!!! No wonder so many kids are failing art. I mean really? It is a pine needle basket. They have had about one month to make a six by three inch basket. And I get eight (8!) total out of sixty-three (63!) students. That is not even 15% (12.7% to be exact) of the students. WOW.

ms. stuart's first valentine

Dear Ms. Stuart,

I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you how I feel. Ever since you became our teacher my odd days have become the highlight of my week. Every day I walk in the door my breath is taken by your beautiful eyes and gorgeous smile. I'm sorry this card was last minute but I hope you like it all the same. I spend my even days just counting down the days until I see you. "My heart's in over drive and your behind the stearing wheel..."

Happy Valentine's Day.

Sincerely,

And if you are wondering if there was a spelling error, I am hoping

that answer is yes. That would be awful if there wasn't.

first (official) day of school

Today was my first day teaching as "the teacher" not just a substitute. It was a long day as we had to cover all eight classes (we are usually on block schedule). I only had to teach three but it was exhausting! Thirty-five minutes to do anything in art is just not enough time.

I had a great time! I introduced myself and my metal work. The students were receptive to my introduction and I can't wait to get to know all of them. The next couple weeks are going to be slightly easier as I am finishing up a project they are already working on, however, when I start my own lesson from start to finish, it will be a little nerve racking. I can't wait!