This is the end product from a Scribes of Mesopotamia lesson. The students enjoyed writing their names in cuneifrom but I must admit that I learned far more... I had originally intended to make potatoe stamps, not name tags. Fortunately, I tried to cut my name into a potatoe and bought ten pounds of potatoes and carving tools. Unfortunately, I tried this at 4 pm the day before the lesson which was being observed by my supervisor. With the help of my CT and three other classroom teachers, I was able to change my lesson after it became apparent that the students would not be able to carve their names into the potatoes. Only one of the teachers was able to do so and the principal refused to let our class to use knives. I learned the importance of trying out an activity well in advance, and that if you are stuck it is best to ask other teachers as someone (or several) is bound to have some expertise in that area and be willing to help because all teachers are awesome and kind enough to help some bumbling TC! Friday, October 24, 2008
Scribes 'Twas chaos the night before..'
This is the end product from a Scribes of Mesopotamia lesson. The students enjoyed writing their names in cuneifrom but I must admit that I learned far more... I had originally intended to make potatoe stamps, not name tags. Fortunately, I tried to cut my name into a potatoe and bought ten pounds of potatoes and carving tools. Unfortunately, I tried this at 4 pm the day before the lesson which was being observed by my supervisor. With the help of my CT and three other classroom teachers, I was able to change my lesson after it became apparent that the students would not be able to carve their names into the potatoes. Only one of the teachers was able to do so and the principal refused to let our class to use knives. I learned the importance of trying out an activity well in advance, and that if you are stuck it is best to ask other teachers as someone (or several) is bound to have some expertise in that area and be willing to help because all teachers are awesome and kind enough to help some bumbling TC! 
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2 comments:
I enjoyed the art you brought to the art show. I also agree that most teachers, most of the time, are willing to help out us bumbling TC. I think we sometimes are good grist for them when they share quality time at the neighbourhood pub. I also think that your activity was a good activity so show how you can maintain the integrity of the art while teaching substantive content in some other course. Your activity is so much more than just grafting art into a course; it truly is art for art's sake.
Thanks for the encouragement Rod. I agree that it is not a good idea to "graft" art into a course and that students will be more likely to develop a positive disposition towards the arts if they are creating "art for art's sake". This positive attitude is something that I will seek to nurture in my students.
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