Monday was the first day of teacher in service. All the students return to campus very soon and I’m so excited. I’ve ordered all my supplies and on Thursday of this week I’m gonna be hard at work organizing the school art studio. When those kiddo’s walk into the studio everything will be ready for them to create.
Every year I take the time to look back on years of teaching and learn from what worked, what was a wreck and how can I make this school year better than ever. I spend time in my room praying for the kids that will walk in my door. I want each one of these kids to feel welcome like the art studio is a safe place for them to hang out. Creativity has to happen in a studio that is open and clear of stress. I think I have that covered this year and I’m ready to get started.
From day one in class we talk about the art show and how we are working towards it. This years the fall show will be in November and I’m already excited thinking about what great pieces these kids will create. All art work is kept under lock and key from parents. The anticipation builds until the night of the opening.
Teaching is such a passion for me. I love to watch these kids come into the studio and create art. Most of my students I’ve had for years and watched them grow in their art. Every year new students come into the studio and have that “oh no is this class gonna be hard” look. From day one I try hard to make sure they feel comfortable and welcome. After all isn’t that the best learning environment for any subject. You have to be a teacher that is approachable so the kids will ask question. As a child I was terrified of my teachers. I couldn’t seem to keep up with the class and found myself embarrassed when I was ask a question and didn’t know the answer. Most of my teachers were really good teachers and taught me so much. I had my fair share of teachers that had no idea how to make a student feel welcome and comfortable. I struggled and missed out on learning so many times because I just got passed over as a kid that just didn’t get it or I was called lazy. I needed glasses early on but no one caught that until Mrs. Reed in the 4th grade. She called my mom and dad to let them know. A few weeks later a doctor’s appointment proved I needed glasses. The first few years of my education I spent learning in a blur even though I told all of my teachers I couldn’t see. At that point I was behind and I struggled for years because my foundation started weak. The schools best way to deal with me, list me as a student with a learning problem. I remember several times teachers ignoring me. I just didn’t get it because I didn’t learn what the others had learned. I strive to find away to reach each of those kids. Once again a tragic time in my life has given me more heart for the kids that pass through my art studio. I plan to celebrate each of the kids I teach.
I’ve blogged before about I never wanted to be a teacher. I really didn’t care for that group of people and had no plans to be a part of that world. God had other plans, to use the night mare I had as a child in my learning years to help kids. So here I am at the start of my 11th year of teaching at Wylie Prep and many more years of private art teaching. I love each one of them the oldies and the newbies. I can’t wait to meet each of them and take the time to get to know them and what makes them tick.
As people we all judge and label people who pass through our lives. We develop opinions and attitude about others before we really give them a chance. Sadly we allow others to help form our thoughts. What if we pushed all that away and took the time to really get to know the person and why they act the way they do. I’m just as guilty of judging it’s easy to do. By admitting we judge allows us to open our hearts to learning about a person. Judging isn’t becoming to anyone, it’s an evil part of our thoughts that we need to shed.
Today is Tuesday and a great day to restart your thoughts and open your heart. Blue Happy is about making your life happy, creative and full. Let’s do that today! Oh and why the cat in the photo? I met this kitty in San Antonio his name is Cooper just like my Cooper so he has to be cool right. So why not use his picture as the feature photo. Thank you Rosa for sharing him with me at your beautiful home.
