BOSTON INSPIRATION
Leaving Boston inspired and invigorated, I headed home with a plan to implement TAB. The pictures and captions below show my classroom's transformation. I now have five designated spaces for the following centers: drawing, collage, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
While sitting among piles of magazines and sorting the different genres, I came across this truck pulling a camper. Immediately drawn to the image, I cut it out and saved it. Weeks later while developing my collage menus, I decided to make my own collage. I feel it perfectly summarizes how I felt leaving Boston...I was so full of new information that I needed an extra trailer to tow it all home!
While sitting among piles of magazines and sorting the different genres, I came across this truck pulling a camper. Immediately drawn to the image, I cut it out and saved it. Weeks later while developing my collage menus, I decided to make my own collage. I feel it perfectly summarizes how I felt leaving Boston...I was so full of new information that I needed an extra trailer to tow it all home!
CLASSROOM MAKEOVER
My old classroom design. There are a total of 5 large tables, 1 small table, 1 cart, and 1 desk. The large tables seat 6 students and the small table was only used for demonstrations. A few things to notice: the layout, the cabinets (plain surfaces), and the shelving below the bulletin boards (overstuffed with piles of newspaper and magazines.)
My new classroom design. The goal was to create more student work space because 6 at a table was too crowded last year. Instead of 5 individual tables, there are 3 individual, 2 pushed together, and the small wooden table paired with the cart. Utilizing the small wooden table along with the cart allows there to be 1 less student at each table creating more work space for each student.
Next, I tackled the 45 cabinets and drawers along the side wall. Wanting more color, I categorized my cabinets and drawers into stations and colored them accordingly.
Dark blue-sculpture
Light blue-collage
Pink-drawing
orange-printmaking
yellow-painting
I intentionally left some cabinets gray. They hold supplies to replenish the centers and will not be student accessible.
Dark blue-sculpture
Light blue-collage
Pink-drawing
orange-printmaking
yellow-painting
I intentionally left some cabinets gray. They hold supplies to replenish the centers and will not be student accessible.
After color coding, I took everything out of the cabinets and drawers. Jam packed with junk, it took me weeks to sort through the materials and supplies before I could begin re-organizing. This was the first time I cleaned out these cabinets and drawers since I was hired four years ago. Although a lot of things went into the trash, I did manage to find a few treasures including a printmaking press! It was stuffed behind supplies in one of the lower cabinets. I also found so much gouache paint and don't even get me started on the dirty paint brushes.
CENTERS AND MENUS
This school year will be my first year as a TAB teacher. Simultaneously excited and overwhelmed, I wanted to make sure the centers were organized before the start of school. After pulling all the supplies out of the cabinets, I began sorting them into their associated center.
Next, I gathered all the empty containers from my house and purchased a label maker. I strategically organized the supplies and labeled accordingly. The only center that is not currently stocked is printmaking. Aside from the press I uncovered, there were no supplies to accompany it. I'm so glad I saved money in my art budget because now I can purchase some printmaking supplies. The goal will be to open that center in late fall/early winter.
Next, I gathered all the empty containers from my house and purchased a label maker. I strategically organized the supplies and labeled accordingly. The only center that is not currently stocked is printmaking. Aside from the press I uncovered, there were no supplies to accompany it. I'm so glad I saved money in my art budget because now I can purchase some printmaking supplies. The goal will be to open that center in late fall/early winter.
Sculpture Center
Collage Center
Drawing Center
Painting Center
For the start of school, I wanted both the drawing and collage menus to be completed. I plan to start with Cynthia Gaub's drawing around the room to introduce the drawing center. Following drawing, the collage center will open shortly after. The menus for painting and sculpture will be created and added as those centers open.
Each menu was carefully planned and executed. I used my Cricut machine to die cut the letters and glued them onto bristol board. I photographed each material and tool found in the cabinets, printed them out, and cut them to fit the menu. For the drawing technique menu, I set up a still life to draw contour, cross-contour, and pointillism. The perspective and gesture were also hand drawn. The collage set up menu reflects the process I used to make the collage mentioned above.
Each menu was carefully planned and executed. I used my Cricut machine to die cut the letters and glued them onto bristol board. I photographed each material and tool found in the cabinets, printed them out, and cut them to fit the menu. For the drawing technique menu, I set up a still life to draw contour, cross-contour, and pointillism. The perspective and gesture were also hand drawn. The collage set up menu reflects the process I used to make the collage mentioned above.
Finishing Touches