Favorite Things from NAEA Convention, Baltimore

Posted on 19. Apr, 2010 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Clssrm Mgmt, Cool+Creative, Educators in Art, In The News, Neat Video, Tech Stuff, Techniques

This year was the first time I traveled outside of my home state to attend a National Art Education Association (NAEA) Conference. If you ever have the opportunity to attend, it is an experience you will never forget.  Listed below are some of the my favorite activities, observations, presentations and tidbits of information I picked up from casual conversations in Baltimore:

  • I had never heard about Merlot (peer reviewed online resource of teaching and learning materials). A quick search on Merlot turned up this awesome Cave of Lascaux interactive explorer.
  • LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the American Visionary Art Museum. Although I was not allowed to photograph inside, I spent about 20 minutes outside admiring the sculptural forms.

Once I finally made it inside, the theme of the museum became very clear by the words and messages incorporated into the art.  Watch this entertaining video featuring the art of Chris Robert-Antieau to get a feel for what the museum is about.

My favorite Visionary Museum message through art: “Some stare though me and refuse to see that we are different branches of the same tree.”
-Athlon Clark

  • Loved Tricia Fuglestad’s information on Interactive Whiteboards – so inspiring!
  • Attended a fantastic session titled “Why Didn’t I Think of That?” presented by Lauren Kolesar-Eatinger and Elizabeth Willett.  My favorite trick was a yarn organizer. Start by cutting out the base of 2-liter pop bottles. Next, turn them upside down and hang from the wall and walla! . . . yarn dispensers.  If you teach elementary art, you must download their full classroom management presentation (PDF 5.5 MB).
  • Delicious bookmarking was mentioned during several sessions I attended (my must-have online tool – read earlier post on Delicious here)
  • Sent a message to Secretary of Education, Arnie Duncan about the importance of creativity in education.
  • Jackie Cassidy reminded me of Animoto for Education. Watch Tricia Fuglestad’s Animoto of  NAEA ‘10 in Baltimore.
  • Participated in a “5 minute idea” in a creativity presentation. Start by presenting students with paper and two lines (curved and/or straight) drawn in sharpie marker. Allow children 2 minutes to draw anything incorporating the lines in their imagination.  Everyone holds up their paper and shares their title (an important requirement).  Give them one more minute to add something in the foreground and background.
  • Discovered an amazing YouTube video (below) from Sarah Brooks and watched her fantastic use of Prezi on Web 2.0.  I also loved the Macro Photo Project she included as part of her presentation.
    • Took the plane home with the Artsonia guys and learned some top secret plans to make Artsonia even better.  (Pressure’s on guys!)
    • Learned about some great web resources from Jean King.  Special needs: I Can’t Draw Syndrome and ArtPromote.   Character development: Powerful Projects.
    • Inspired by Samantha Melvin’s teaching empathy through art curriculum.
    • Discovered a timeline of Carrie Mae Weems life!
    • Make your presentations Sticky by Craig Roland was a crowd favorite.
    • Saw a great video presentation on Universal Design Learning by Kathy Rulien-Bareis.  Her methods are very useful for creating an adaptive classroom addressing special needs.  Watch her video segments one, two, three, and four.
    • I got a chance to present an art experience that that incorporated science, writing, social/emotional development, and technology into the art curriculum.

    Tons of additional great resources from conference presenters can be found online.
    Did you attend NAEA Conference this year?  What did you discover?

    Color Sudoku

    Posted on 14. Mar, 2010 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Clssrm Mgmt

    After watching enough people work on sudoku number puzzles, it occurred to me that this logic game can be easily adapted to art by substituting the numbers for colors or symbols.

    Color sudoku follows three basic rules:
    1. Use all the color options in each box without repeating
    2  Use all the color options in each row without repeating
    3. Use all the color options in each column without repeating

    Try a simple online symbol or color sudoku. If you have an iPod Touch or iPhone you can download color sudoku here. Or perhaps you may prefer a low-tech version such as the example featured below.

    Since I love sharing – feel free to download the low-tech color version of sudoku that I created as an extension activity. I printed mine on tag board and laminated to keep clean.  I also wanted to keep the colors consistent between the game boards and the pieces so I printed out color sheets and cut them down into pieces that fit each puzzle.  Since the 4 color sudoku need larger pieces than the 6 color and 9 color, I keep those pieces separate in a zip lock bag.  Reuse a shallow class-pack type box to store the entire kit together.

    Use the 4-color sudoku for younger students or to introduce the concept for the first time. Let the kids differentiate their own learning by choosing their own difficulty level.  I don’t use answer keys (if you follow the rules, you know when you have found the solution)  - although you could easily create your own by writing in the color names on an extra printout by solving yourself (or have a student do it for you).

    4 Color Sudoku: (Beginner)
    4-Color Sudoku #1
    4-Color Sudoku #2

    4-Color Sudoku #3
    4-Color Sudoku #4

    6 Color Sudoku: (Beginner/Intermediate)
    6- Color Sudoku #1
    6- Color Sudoku #2
    6- Color Sudoku #3
    9 Color Sudoku: (Intermediate)
    9 Color Sudoku #1
    9 Color Sudoku #2
    9 Color Sudoku #3
    9 Color Sudoku #4
    9 Color Sudoku #5
    9 Color Sudoku #6
    9 Color Sudoku: (Advanced)
    9 Color Sudoku #7 (advanced)
    9 Color Sudoku #8 (advanced)
    9 Color Sudoku #9 (advanced)
    Color-Sheets to print: (Cut down to fit sudoku puzzles)
    Black
    Gray
    Green
    Light Blue
    Orange
    Pink
    Purple
    Red
    Yellow

    Idea update 3/18/10: Print out duplicate sudoku game cards so students can challenge each other to see who can finish card first.

    Create Your Own Detail Detective

    Posted on 22. Feb, 2010 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Techniques

    Engaging students of all levels though a detail search of an image is a great way to introduce a unit or fill a few minutes of extra time at the end of class. A few of my favorite online sources include:
    What is it?
    Carpet Hunt
    Albright-Knox Art Games
    Getty Detail Detective
    Can You Find the Detail?

    However, you may want to customize your detail search to a lesson you are teaching. In this case, you could easily design your own in a few short minutes. The video below illustrates how to create a detail detective game using iPhoto (although our demo uses iPhoto, adaptations can be made using other photo programs):

    Can’t view video above? Click here.

    Here are the steps:
    1. Photograph a print or pull a large image from the Internet to a photo manipulation program.
    2. Duplicate the image several times.
    3. Crop duplicate images in different areas
    4. Project electronically on a screen or print image details for a low tech version.

    “Shhh” Noise Control

    Posted on 29. Jan, 2010 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Clssrm Mgmt, Off-task Behavior, Positive Reinforcement, Tech Stuff

    I love the buzz and energy of an art room filled with students actively involved in the creative process.  Because of this, I allow my students to talk during art production, as long as they remain on-task and the noise level doesn’t become disruptive.  However, some of my classes have a harder time with this freedom than others.  Enter . . . “Noise Control“. This iPhone app has been very effective during times when I need students to keep noise down and raise concentration. While I can’t promise this will forever solve noise issues, a little extra help never hurts.  Watch the video below to see how it works:

    Can’t see video above? Click here.

    Here’s a few tips to get started:

  • Download Noise Control from iTunes (if you don’t have a personal iPhone, it’s worth it to find someone who will part with theirs for a few hours)
  • Adjust noise level and sensitivity and plug into external speakers.
  • Project “Shhh” app using a document camera – the extra visual makes a BIG difference by allowing the students “see” their noise level. If you don’t have a document camera, consider this low-cost option.
  • Use positive reinforcement to mold behavior. For example, see how long the class can go without “Shhh” activation – every 10 minutes earns minutes toward an open studio day.
  • Quiz Games using PhotoPeach

    Posted on 13. Dec, 2009 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Tech Stuff

    PhotoPeachOne of my favorite ways to reinforce understanding of art concepts is through quiz games. In an earlier post I shared how to create your own art quizzes using MyStudiyo. Since then, I found another great visual quiz maker called PhotoPeach. This free online tool allows you to upload photos to create a slide show with captions and music. The quiz feature is enabled once your photos have been uploaded. I created the quiz below as a large group activity to help my students determine the differences between Realistic, Abstract Representational, and Abstract Non-objective art styles.


    If you have trouble viewing the art quiz above, click here.

    Want to try creating your own quiz? Start by registering for a free account with PhotoPeach.  Next, upload your pictures and arrange them in your preferred order.  You will then be prompted to give your slide show a title and choose a musical accompaniment.  You can turn your slide show into a quiz by clicking the edit button and then selecting “edit caption and photos”.  Choose a quiz question for any or all of your photos.  The image below illustrates your options.

    Picture 4

    Artsonia: More Than Just An Online Art Gallery

    Posted on 04. Nov, 2009 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Positive Reinforcement, Tech Stuff

    ArtsoniaIf you’re an art educator, chances are that you have heard of or even have been using Artsonia as a place to “digitally hang” student artwork.   When I started using Artsonia six years ago, I knew it would be good for my students; what I didn’t know at the time was how it would become an amazing art advocacy tool.

    Artsonia has become better than any student art show I could host; it reaches more family and friends, regardless of geographic distance or busy schedule, communicates art concepts in project descriptions, reinforces student technology use, and generates funds for your program. It does all that . . . without all the staples and tape.

    The benefits breakdown:

  • Generates funds for your art program.  Artsonia is completely free to use and 15% of the revenue from purchased products, featuring your student’s artwork, goes back to your art program. (via Dick Blick art supplies credit or check to your school art program)
  • Artwork stays online forever! The vision of Artsonia is to someday have your 2nd graders show their artwork to their children and grandchildren by way of their Artsonia gallery. Older students love looking back at how they have grown as an artist over the years.
  • Communicates your art objectives for each art experience.  When parents understand what their child is learning it validates and builds support for your art curriculum.
  • Motivates children to do their best in class when they know hundreds of people could see their artwork from around the world.
  • Fan Clubs reach family members and friends who might otherwise never see student art, updating them via email each time an artwork is added.
  • Comments left for artists from visitors are a great self-esteem boost!  All comments must be approved by parents so it is completely monitored (by someone other than you).
  • Ok, sounds good but. . .
    . . . well here are some of the nuts and bolts to help you get you started.


    Can’t see video above? Click here.

    Permission slips. Depending on your school policy, you may be required to get permission slips for participating artists.  Make your own or download and customize one of these templates: Casual or Formal (Microsoft Word format). Be sure to include a space for parent email addresses on your permission slip. Increasing participation from family and friends is the key to success in Artsonia.  It is worth the extra time to enter emails – parents get an email each time artwork is published or comments are posted, continually keeping them in touch with the learning going on in your classroom.

    Volunteers. I started using volunteers to help me last year (I don’t know why I waited so long).  I keep a bin to hold artwork ready to photograph along with a binder holding class lists, and a camera (with extra batteries).  When artwork is ready, I send out an email to my volunteer list.  The first volunteer to “Reply All” agrees to photograph and digitally crop the artwork.  The only step left is uploading – something I still prefer to do myself, but certainly doable for a volunteer.  In the fall I do a training session and provide this Photography Tip Sheet and Guidelines for volunteers to reference.

    Start slow and set a goal. My first year participating in Artsonia I promised to put up one piece of art for each student.  I ended up adding more, but I felt like I didn’t raise any expectations too high for the students or myself.

    Do you use Artsonia?  Please add your school page and any tips in the comments area below.

    LiveBinders to Manage Digital Clutter

    Posted on 10. Oct, 2009 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Organization and Preparation, Tech Stuff

    LiveBinderI try to organize all the paperwork that lands on my desk, but somehow sculptural forms (OK . . . I’ll just admit it, piles of paper) take over.   I’m not sure I am going to change the way my desk looks anytime soon, but I have found a great tool to get my electronic resources in order.

    LiveBinders is a free service that helps you gather and organize your web links, documents, and videos into one tidy place. A LiveBinder is particularly useful when you want your students to access specific web-links for research or you’re teaching about a particular media, technique or artist and need to gather all your resources together. I created the following two LiveBinder links to use as extensions for early finishers and at home engagement:

    The video below explains how easy it is to create your own LiveBinder :
    (can’t view video? click here)

    Create your own LiveBinder and share it with us in the comments area below!

    Georgia O’Keeffe in Google Earth

    Posted on 22. Sep, 2009 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Music+Art, Tech Stuff

    Georgia_O'KeeffeAfter watching the Lifetime movie about Georgia O’Keeffe over the weekend, I was inspired to share with you two of my favorite O’Keeffe teaching tools.

    I am a big fan of Google Earth and look for every opportunity to incorporate it into my teaching. So, I created a Georgia O’Keeffe Google Earth file to help illustrate how the locations where she lived impacted her work.  I also try and discuss the major changes in transportation technology that occurred during Georgia’s 98 year life (ultimately impacting her mobility between New York and New Mexico).

    Interact with the O’Keeffe Google Earth file below and download here to save for use in your classroom studies.

    The second resource I use is a song by Greg Percy called “Georgia”. To listen, click the audio MP3 button below.
    Georgia

    The first verse makes a direct connection to the geography that Georgia covered during her lifetime:
    lyrics2


    Do you use Google Earth, art songs, or other resources to teach art history?

    Present your Classroom Rules

    Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Clean-up and Transition, Clssrm Mgmt, Organization and Preparation

    The first week of school typically involves going over classroom rules and procedures.  However, making these rules “stick” is a year-long challenge.  The SlideShare PowerPoint below, created by an art teacher from Michigan, outlines her art classroom expectations and management solutions.  This presentation could be useful to play periodically throughout the school year, during quiet work times, or even as students enter the room and get settled.  Download for your classroom or use as inspiration for your own expectation presentation appropriate for your students’ grade levels. Click the green play button at the bottom of the screen to watch the presentation and hear the audio track.

    Delicious Denial

    Posted on 22. Jul, 2009 by Theresa McGee in All Posts, Clssrm Mgmt, Organization and Preparation

    deliciousI was once in Delicious denial; I had heard of Delicious as a social bookmarking site but really didn’t see the need to use it.  Sure, sharing bookmarks with everyone else is a nice concept, but I already had spent hours organizing my own bookmarks in Safari and was just fine with my own little system. What I wasn’t willing to admit at the time was that my little system of organized bookmark folders was not very effective.

    The chart below describes my reasons for finally making the switch to Delicious:traditional bookmarks-vs-delicious

    So what about your organized websites neatly tucked into a bookmark folder? When uploading to Delicious, the folders and sub-folders that you created on your computer will turn into tags – no need to redo anything! See how easy it is to use Delicious in the Tutorial below:

    Can’t view video above? Click here.

    So here’s where the “social” part of Delicious comes in:  If you think a website is useful to others who also read The Teaching Palette, add the tag “teachingpalette” (one word).  See the hundreds of art education resources we’ve already tagged here.

    Useful Tips:

    • When using compound words such as “art history” do not leave spaces in between each word as they will separate into two different tags. Instead write “arthistory” or “art_history”. (I learned this one the hard way)
    • Use “tag options” to change or rename a tag.
    • Bulk edit is useful for adding additional tags to large groups of bookmarks or making selected tags on bookmarks private.
    • Keep in mind that although your bookmarked website will show up instantly in your Delicious account, sometimes it takes longer for the tags to register.
    • Use Delicious as your search engine – type in a tag on the Delicious homepage to see what websites others have bookmarked.
    • It never hurts to create a backup of your Delicious bookmarks from time to time. (Backup directions can be accessed when logged in)