Artistic Versatility

Well, I thought that I would start something new this year... blogging. I am going to focus on my teaching: what I am covering; examples of work; inspirations; new technologies and initiatives; anything connected with the subjects I am covering (and sometimes things that are not) in 2012.

I see that writing a blog as an opportunity to evaluate my teaching, to help me see things a little differently. What better way than to share with thoughts on a potential global scale!!

2012 begins with new challenges, new students, new subjects. Not only am I going to be covering my staples (Vis Arts with 5/6, 7 & 8; Photography with 7, 8, 9) but I am facing a new challenge.... PE with Preps! Teaching 4 and 5 year-olds - fresh into the school environment with all the excitement/hesitation/trepidation that goes with it. I have joked with members of my team that I have all the lessons and equipment planned out... tennis ball and racket – hit the ball and let them run after it... but it will be more than that. Seeing the planers for the PE Dept I have seen how things work from their side. The refinement for students in early years to build their fine motor skills; one process at a time.

In my first year of teaching, I had my first exposure to Preps in an educational setting. I have had experience in my previous life (OSHC, so long ago - and for such a long time) but this was different. Having my 'Classroom-in-a-box' i would travel throughout the lands (or classrooms perhaps) teaching all areas of the 'Arts' to 600+ students. It was a great learning curve, but I have found that teaching became more fluid, I was becoming more at ease with the whole teaching thing.

Anyway... Preps... PE... Me...

It is going to be an interesting journey for me... so many things to get organised... I am going to have to PE Suit-Up for those Fridays, look the part, get the talk, find the PE presence, and just see how things go.

Another interesting part of my 2012 journey is the introduction of straight year levels for the Year 7 and 8 classes. It is something that I am excited about. The chance to have units that focus, build skills and knowledge for students year after year in Vis Arts and Photography. Both my Vis Arts and Photography classes will be like this. With this structure I expect that there will be challenges, difficulties and successes all rolled into one. The units will be similar but different, covering key areas and introducing new skills for students to experience. It will be interesting to see if there will be identifiable differences with student’s ability and connection with the subject between the year levels.

Let’s leave it at that, until the next time...

Oh and one more thing, there is a class I have forgot to add.... 3/4 Photography Club on Thursday... how interesting will that be.... stay tuned.