I was talking to Grade 9 students last week as they were preparing to head to a college information session. I explained to them that they idea of going to college might be a crazy concept; these students are only in grade nine! However, seeing that the first month of the school year is already behind us, they are beginning to understand how quickly time moves in high school. Students in all classes have been dealing with the same rapid pace and some are starting to fall behind with assignments. The first progress report will be out after the Thanksgiving long weekend so this week will provide those students with opportunities to catch up. Meanwhile, here’s an update for each class:

ALC1O – Grade 9 Visual Art:
Students did an amazing job with their plaster masks. I will be displaying these in the school this week. We then spent some time talking about colour theory and will talk about value for a few days. Combined with line, students will have some good knowledge of some of the elements of art. We will use that knowledge when we introduce a new art medium: watercolour painting. Students will use watercolour paints to show their knowledge of colour, value, and line by creating something awesome. All of this will take us through this week and next. I’m pumped.

ENG2D – Grade 10 Academic English:
Students have their first major academic essay due this week. I have spent considerable time working with each student individually conferencing and editing essays. Unfortunately, many students in this class are not where I expected them to be with regards to writing. Students who handed in draft copies on time have been provided with detailed descriptive feedback to guide them towards improved final draft essays. My hope is that students use the numerous resources provided to make their essays rock.

This week marks the full start of our To Kill a Mockingbird novel study. This is one of my favourite novels to teach and, given the political climate that currently exists (and occupies so much of the news), there is an important relevance to what we will be covering. Last week, we discussed how society influences individuals as a transition into the unit. I’m looking forward to examining that question through the novel as we move forward.

AVI3O – Grade 11 Visual Art:
Last week we devoted our time to drawing. There are a number of students who have not finished the three drawing assignments so we will wrap them up early this week. Then, we will spend some time working with colour theory before moving on to a new studio project. There are a number of students who need to make better use of class time. I would like to pick up the pace to allow us to experiment with many more art forms, styles, and topics.

Once again, progress reports will be out in a few short weeks. It’s vitally important that students see me if they need extra help or extra time to work on assignments, (such as during the daily Activity Period.) Have a great week!

It’s already (almost) the end of September. There are about 18 weeks in a semester and we’re wrapping up the fourth week. Time continues to move incredibly fast. My job is to ensure that despite this rapid pacing, students have opportunities to be successful. I’ve been actively conferencing, reminding, opening up doors for, and working with students to help them get to where they should be — but students need to be accountable for their work, too. As we approach the first Progress Report I’m already seeing some work habits that need attention. In the next two weeks I will be endeavouring to touch base with parents and guardians to help me help the students.

In the meantime, here’s an update of where we are and where we are going in each class:

ALC1O – Grade 9 Visual Art: This class has been absolutely amazing. We completed the introductory designs, (which turned out really, really well!) and then moved on to plaster mask-making. I’ll let these pictures speak for the work being done:

Next, we’ll be working with some colour theory and then we move on to watercolour painting!

ENG2D – Grade 10 Academic English: Students have been taking time really working to develop critical writing skills with argumentative essays. We have all spent time conferencing and discussing various parts of essays and how to explain/support/connect points. In some cases this process has been pretty stressful, (where I imagined many students to be is not where many of them are, so the planning and tempo had to change) but the rough copy is due tomorrow and this will allow me to produce very descriptive and specific feedback for students.

We are transitioning into the To Kill a Mockingbird unit. To begin, we began discussing a critical question related to the novel:

We connected the idea of influence with current events, including the current debate of athletes not standing for the national anthem. We talked about respect, unity, pressure to do what others do, injustices, and the world around us — ultimately linked back to how the novel approaches similar themes. Tomorrow we will have some discussions about themes in the novel by using Anticipation Guide statements. I will be evaluating the participation of each student, but also their ability to make and support points.

Finally, AVI3O – Grade 11 Visual Art: Students are currently working on three drawing styles: gesture, contour, and blind contour. Each style involves practicing in sketchbooks and collaborating with others, (we needed body and face models. The students delivered.) Students will receive an assignment today that focuses on demonstrated knowledge and understanding of both the three drawing types and the artist’s ability to reflect on the steps involved in producing art, (called the Creative Process.) There are some skilled artists in the room. Here’s a sample portrait, drawn using the blind contour style:

Again, with the first progress report rapidly approaching, it will be my job to continuously connect with students to try and keep them on track. If you’re a parent/guardian, it would be helpful to have a conversation about what’s happening in class with your child. Otherwise, look for a progress report soon.

Thanks again and enjoy the rest of this SHORT! week.

Hi!

We’re already into the second half of September. The first few weeks of the semester are behind us and the period of “get-to-know-you” has transformed into “let’s-see-what-you-can-do.” In both art classes and the English class, I feel lucky in the sense that my students (for the most part) are enthusiastic about showing me what they can do – as well as showing a willingness to learn more. For those who aren’t quite at that stage, it’s my job to try and engage, motivate, and push. So far, so good. My goal is to allow students to express who they are, both through art and writing.

In ALC1O – Grade 9 Visual Art students pushed their thinking to complete two designs in the past two weeks. The first had them create a design that used the elements of art as a way to express their emotions. I also wanted students to get accustomed to their art studio surroundings and show me that they could be responsible with materials. The mission was successful.

This week, we’re going to continue the idea of self-expression by creating plaster masks. To make this a successful project, students have to work with a partner, get a bit messy, do some planning, and then some designing. We started the process today with one person being the “model” and the second person being the “artist.” The roles will switch and then, with base masks ready, students will go into the design stage.

Check out the engagement, the smiles, the teamwork, and the awesome results:

Stay tuned for updates. I love this project!

In ENG2D – Grade 10 Academic English, we are focusing our efforts on essay skills – with a focus on argumentative essays. I want to ensure students have a clear understanding of expectations, success criteria, exemplars, and the writing process so that they will struggle (hopefully!) less with essays for the rest of their time in high school. To date, students have:

• Developed an understanding of topic and thesis
• Been able to conference and discuss topics and thesis statements under the framework of an essay outline
• Been given the first major essay assignment

This process will take the rest of the week, because I want to give sufficient time for conferencing and feedback. Then, these folks will be on their own.

Finally, in AVI3O – Grade 11 Visual Arts, we finished an introductory acrylic painting assignment. Like the grade 9 class, the plan was to familiarize students with art studio expectations, some basic painting techniques, and the beginning of the creative process. This week, we’ll focus on some more technical aspects, starting with drawing techniques:

Download (PDF, 582KB)

So there you have it… a busy third(1!) week. Enjoy it!