Kindergarten Assessment

When September comes I can't wait to meet all my new kindergartners and start learning names.  We meet just once a week for art and sometimes it takes me a while to learn all the names.  It takes even longer to figure out who can do what.  But, last year I came across a quick art project that is also a helpful assessment tool.  It uses the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" by Bill Martin and Eric Carle.  I'm re-posting today because as the year unfolded, I was amazed to see how helpful this assessment was in capturing important information about my students.
I found this assessment idea on a sight called Kinderkorner.  It is now my first day of kindergarten standard. If you don't have the book "Brown Bear", no worries.  It's also on You tube.
To see the assessment in detail you can click here.
So that's it for me, but what about you?
What's your first day of kindergarten lesson plan looking like this year?
Have a great day!

Wilmington, Vermont

These photos were shot on Main Street in Wilmington, Vermont.  I don't work in Wilmington, but this town is in our district (or Supervisory Union as we say here in Vermont).  My school is on the opposite side of the Reservoir.    If you are familiar with Wilmington...you've probably eaten at Dot's Diner.  That is Dot's in the photo above.  You can see the balcony on the back of the restaurant just barely above water.
The water has gone down in Wilmington, but I can only imagine what it left behind in the way of clean-up.
My school is scheduled to open on Tuesday...don't know how I'll get there yet because the bridge is still out and the road up the mountain is closed.

Irene in Vermont

My son Richard and his beautiful bride Katie were married here just one week ago.  This is the covered bridge at the Grange Hall in front of what was once Norman Rockwell's House in Arlington, Vermont. It's a much loved swimming hole and a great location for a summer wedding.  Hard to believe this beautiful bridge is gone.

Irene in Vermont

This little video was shot not far from my house.  I run across this bridge every week as it's part of my four mile loop.  

Awesome Fun Surprise Revealed

An Awesome Book of Thanks! from Dallas Clayton on Vimeo.


Dallas Clayton is coming to Vermont!. I'm pretty excited about it, too.  In case you're wondering, Dallas Clayton is a children's book author and illustrator.  He wrote two sweet little books.  "The Awesome Book" encourages kids to dream big, and the "The Awesome Book of Thanks" is a book about gratitude.
When his books took off (because everybody loves his writing and drawings), he started the Awesome World Foundation.  His mission is to give away one book for every book sold and to personally place that book into a child's hands.  So when he's not writing, selling books, and making art, he's traveling around the world visiting schools and hospitals passing out books, reading to kids, and encouraging kids to dream big.
Last April I e-mailed Dallas (to let him know that I posted a link to his site on my blog) and I invited him to visit our school if he ever found himself in our part of the world.  And (like-yeah-right-that-will-ever-happen), I promptly forgot all about it.  But, last week I received an e mail from his tour manager, Graham.  Dallas Clayton is coming to Vermont in September and we're on the list.  Dallas is coming to read and share books at our school!  What a way to kick off the year.
Not only that, but Dallas Clayton has begun painting murals in places that need murals, and if anything, our school is one of those places.  I know his time is short, but I am really hoping Dallas will paint with the kids.  (Hey, big kids can dream big, too).
He's got an awesome website.  Check it out, you can see his books in their entirety there!  Check them out and let me know what you think.
Don't forget to have an awesome day!

A Date with Awesome

A surprise is on the way.

Can you guess what it is?  

Nothing Says Summer Like Corn on the Cob

Thanks to a friend who knows what I love for sending a photo she snapped on her way home from the beach.  I hope you enjoy roadside art as much as I do.

Kolams of Pondicherry

Kolam Pattern of the Day

Kolam designs originated in the South of India more than 3000 years ago.  They are the symbol of Beauty and Welcome.  Traditionally women begin their day by drawing Kolam in front of their homes using rice flower or limestone powder.  In the north of India they are called Rangoli Patterns.

  

The designs are made with dots and curvey lines.

Here's how to make your own.

http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info/articles/kolam.html

Bridget NeSpoon

I'm loving Bridget NeSpoons photographs of lace doilies stenciled and strung on beach driftwood.  The lace  structures bring to mind not only webs, but sea urchins, sand dollars, and jellyfish.  You can see more photos of the installation on the beach here.  See more of Bridget NeSpoon on her blog I Am Lace,

New Twist on Friendship Braclets

A sweet little wrapped bracelet you can easily make today.  Head on over here for the tutorial.

Picasso's Guitars

You're too late to see the exhibit Picasso's Guitars 1912-1914. It ran at the Museum of Modern Art from February 13th to June 6th.  Fortunately it's not too late to see what we missed.  MoMA has a wonderful resource up on their site with dozens and dozens of Picasso guitars that were made in Spain and in France between 1912-1914.  According to the blurb, this series is where cubism begins.  Here Picasso begins pushing the still life objects closer and closer to the picture plane until he the image seemingly pops out in the form of the cardboard guitar.
The site is a fabulous resource for students (and adults).  The images are a great compliment to all the wonderful  Picasso lessons on the net, and especially ones that examine this theme. Lots of great information accompany the  rollover images including background, materials, and techniques. Check it out.  Have a lovely day!
http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2011/picassoguitars/featured-works/index.php