this past week and 1/2...

 normally, around this time during the school year, i take a break

and let the kids choose what they what they want to do, what

materials they want to work with... mostly independent projects.

(like i did today for a bit with the 5th graders who made shrinky

dink charms)

 but since i have an intern who is excited about teaching and

interacting with the students, i have been working with him to

come up with ideas to engage the kids in some pretty cool

explorations with materials and concepts.

 for this project, the 8th graders had to choose a poster (from about 50

i have collected over the years... and emulate their style in a self-portrait.

 jacob went around and took funky photos from all different angles

and the students will have the option to draw or trace their

photos onto the canvas. this was my example - i had fun doing it.

 these are cross contour drawings that the 7th graders drew

then created wire sculptures to hang them with.

 5th graders practiced scratching into plaster and they are making

masks with this same process. i love this just as a collaborative sculpture

 my sample of a portrait of one student using cross-hatching and photos

from photobooth. they will also be doing self-portraits...

we had fun

but i could sure use a summer break by now!

peace,

j