*True*2*the*BEST*that*is*in*you*

"Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!”~Christian D. Larson ❞

((The *Cognitive, *Affective, and *Kinesthetic))

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(((From the Foo Fighters lead singer, Dave Grohl, at the 2012 Emmys.))) 
Not only a great statement about the *cReATiVe* PROCESS, but also a wonderful statement about the fusing of the *Cognitive, *Affective, and *Kinesthetic in all facets of learning.

My first *5 WEEKS of Student Teaching

A "Teachable*Moment" leads to the "Last*Child"

I am in the process of my part-time student teaching at Dakota High School in Macomb Township, Michigan.  My cooperating teacher is Mrs. Debra Groth.  She is an amazingly caring, helpful, and talented mentor and I am very *blessed* to have her guiding me on my path to becoming an Art Teacher. 

 

At Dakota High School, the Art Curriculum is predominantly photography (digital and manual).   Three out of five hours are devoted to teachng photography.  I have only had *one* photography class my entire career at Wayne State University.  It is comforting to see words of wisdom outside Mrs. Groth's classroom door which read, "Step outside your comfort zone each and every day".

Everyday I walk into Mrs. Groth's room, I feel like I am swallowing her words of wisdom and for that I know I am *growing*.  The students are so insightful and I soak in every moment I spend in the classroom because I learn so much from them.

Today, I experienced a teachable moment. 

A teachable moment is an unplanned opportunity that arises in the classroom where a teacher has an *perfect* opportunity to offer insight to his or her students.  A teachable moment is not something that you can plan for; rather, it is a fleeting opportunity that must be sensed and seized by the teacher.

In Art Foundations, the students are working on an exercise dealing with concepts such as negative/positive space and rhythm and pattern.  The objectives of the exercise are:  1) The students will create their own "aesthetically pleasing" pattern with line and 2) The students will create negative/positive space using black india ink while leaving selected areas white. 

On Wednesday, I noticed that many students were having difficulty with this concept.  I believe that first and foremost, many did not understand the assignment.  Secondly, I believe they thought there was a "right vs. wrong" solution or formula that they needed to follow, a "end-all*be-all".  So I worked with Lexi who was having difficulty.  She threw out her first attempt.  She was frustrated.  It was getting close to the end of the hour and after much frustration I thought it'd be best that we pick up her "frustrations"...together, the following day.  I could sense she needed a "break" from her first attempt. 

Today, to my surprise, Lexi approached me.  She was eager to take on the exercise together, once again.  I offered a few suggestions, and she quickly understood what I was suggesting and eagerly began painting in her design.  I walked away because I believed it was the "right" moment.  A few minutes later, I looked up and noticed all the students were crowding near the door, impatiently waiting for the bell to ring to approve of their dismissal.  I look over and I see Lexi, "the last child"...not aware of time, space, or the other students...all that exists are *self*and*creativity*...this is why I teach.

*Wisdom*Begins*In*Wonder* -Socrates

Emotional Development:
Curiosity ---  The Fuel of Development
Helping Children *Remain* Curious And Inspired

By:  Bruce D. Perry MD, PhD

Full Article:  http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/emotional-development-curiosity-fuel-development#.TvPPK1HLum0.facebook

CURIOSITY results in
EXPLORATION

EXPLORATION results in
DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY results in
PLEASURE




PLEASURE results in
REPETITION

REPETITION results in

MASTERY

MASTERY results in

NEW SKILLS

NEW SKILLS result in

CONFIDENCE

CONFIDENCE results in

SELF-ESTEEM

SELF-ESTEEM results in

SENSE OF SECURITY

SECURITY results in

MORE EXPLORATION...
“The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught,
As that every child should be given the wish to learn.” 
---John Lubbock

*HAPPY*Winter*Solstice*...and bioluminescence!!!

Photo Source:  http://messymix.com/photos.php

I came across the Smithsonian:  National Museum of Natural History   website:  http://ocean.si.edu/ocean-news/when-art-meets-science-exhibition-inspired-bioluminescence and I found this amazing article titled, When Art Meets Science:  Exhibition Inspired by Bioluminescence.

SO, what the heck is bioluminescence? 
Bioluminescence is the process behind the idea that  deep sea creatures can create their own LIGHT and ENERGY to survive where there is NO sun in the deep depths of the ocean!

A 2011 Installation by Artist Shih Chieh Huang, The Bright Beneath, is an exhibit in which Huang "creates works using plastic bags, household objects, computer cooling fans, LED lights, and other assorted materials."  The Bright Beneath is inspired by bioluminescent marine animals Huang studied during a Smithsonian Artist Fellowship:

 

Photo:  Sea Walnut

Photo:  Bioluminescent Octopod

Photo: Midwater Squid

 

Photo:  Scaly Dragonfish

The long barbel on the chin has a long glowing tip that may attract prey!

We think of light as a way to see in the dark.
But many species use it to help them hide!
LEFT:  In this photograph, the fish actually stands out against the lighter water (light/dark contrast)
RIGHT:  The same fish---now with bioluminescent structures on its underside lit---blends in!!!
Many deep sea creatures have evolved this adaptation, which allows them to "camouflage" in an environment with few hiding places.

Photo:  Midwater Sea Jelly seen under a microscope

Photo:  Lantern Fish --- found in the Red Sea, has light-producing photophores along its belly and a nasal light organ that acts like a *head*light*.

Bioluminescence reminds me of the winter solstice because in Michigan, it is a time when days are long and rather "dark."  Winter solstice is a day in December (varying depending on the calendar system) when the North Pole is furthest from the sun.  Therefore, winter solstice is a natural occurrence.  How often, are natural occurrences in our world overlooked because of technology, overwhelming work loads, long to-do-lists, and blind eyes???  Instead of embracing these natural occurrences, our society, culture and education teaches us to hurry hurry, rush rush, quantity over quality...product over process.  Winter solstice is a time of transition and transitions should be thoughtfully considered...embraced...even if they are "dark."  When there is no light...*create*your*own*

((Personal photographs capturing the beauty of *light* and reflection,
on the walls in my house,
during an *ordinary* winter solstice day))

*May we all see the light in the dark*...
and feel the warmth during winter solstice...
HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE

“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown,
You must believe that one of two things will happen:
There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly." 
---Patrick Overton

***AMAZING LINK to "How to Paint with Light"...teaching using light painting:

http://ocean.si.edu/blog/using-light-painting-teach-bioluminescence