I have a sweet potato in the oven and I am so excited about it. I’m starting my post a little late tonight, but unfortunately being a grown up comes first. I’m going to try my very best to be in bed by 11:00 tonight (maybe 10?). We’ll see how that goes…

Every day is starting to rock my world. I’m getting a little more accustomed to the “Teacher Tired.” I think over the next week or two I will sync up with the schedule. It’s almost like jet lag. I’m working on taking more pictures, because I love a blog with lots of images AND because these kids amaze me literally every single day. I’ve shared this link with them in hopes that they will check it out. I’ve asked all of them if I can share their work and they seem really excited!

First block is such a good way to start my day. They’re a really sweet group of students. Olivia (Olive) has been working on this AMAZING mixed media piece:

Olive’s KILLER mixed media piece. She used a laser cutter in combination with bleeding tissue paper, paint, conte crayon and prisma. She’s going to collage the rays.

I wanted to spend a little extra time talking about 8th grade today. This is the youngest class Bowers has, and every semester she gets a new group of them. She and I were both excited for me to see how she interacts with a new group. It has helped me so much in planning and considering how I want to structure the psychology and environment of my classroom.

8th grade’s intro unit. Bowers is amazing.

Every day I am here, I discover more and more how much I took for granted about Mrs. Bowers. Now that I am seeing her in a different light — as a fellow educator, I am seeing so much more.

I watched her with our eighth grade class today — they are new this semester and most have never drawn before. She started the semester with a firm hand, but today I watched her walk to every table, every student, and a kind word was said to every single one of them. Watching her move and interact brings me literally to tears. I wish I knew in high school what a miracle, a blessing, an aura to the doldrums of life that she was. Seeing the look on these students faces in response to her praises is truly something unforgettable. I want to be this person for someone, someday. Just one person, and my life will be perfect.

Today was the first time the students in 8th grade did a walk-around. This is where all the students stand up and walk about all the tables and look at each others work. Bowers told them before they started that they were never allowed to criticize or mock one anothers’ art work. I love that she is instilling those ideals in her students already.

Dylis works so hard in first block. She never fails to come in and get in the zone.

First block girls gettin’ their paint on. (Ashley and Kennedy make such pretty palettes!)

Camille’s astronaut! So beautiful.

Tomorrow our girls have a swim meet and I’m wearing my red and black to support them! We’re traveling to Riverside. I haven’t been to a swim meet since I competed in high school (which, let’s be real, was a total joke. I sucked). These girls are so close to qualifying for state, so I’m sending good thoughts, peace and strength to our girls relay.

A man and his duck. Chase got so much done on his prisma assignment today.

Steven working on a watercolor/prisma shell for AP

“my nut in a lifeshell.” – Steven

I’m working on my unit for 4th period. Today I was shown how to order materials, and was also humbled and so grateful by the access I have to such amazing materials here. We were able to order 20 new boxes of clay and 15 new glazes. I am so excited for students to start their “homage” project. I will share in greater detail, but I will drop a hint: it includes a hot beverage with a very important person.

A doodle of mine, inspired by artist Caitlin Foster and my sweet students!

I’m getting stronger. I’m feeling braver. I’m ready.

Song of the blog:
LET THE GROOVE GET IN // JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE