Comprehension & Creativity
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Comprehension & Creativity

  When a student comprehends something, anything really, they can use it to create.   For instance, a student who comprehends the concepts of tension, revision and voice can use…
The Arts and Comprehension
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The Arts and Comprehension

  It’s funny how if an ELA class reads a play it’s considered academic but… if a drama club spends weeks or months CLOSE READING the SAME play in order…
Awards vs Sharing
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Awards vs Sharing

  Trophies and ribbons, medals and certificates, are reminders. They remind us of the great things we’ve done. They are nice but I’m not convinced they are terribly meaningful. We…
Challenging Students
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Challenging Students

  Perhaps it is our most challenging students who are giving us the most.   Perhaps they are giving us honesty; honest emotion, an honest view at their true selves.…
What I Value
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What I Value

  Author and Educational Consultant, Dr. Mary Howard asks the teachers she works with to name the things they value.   What are their non-negotiables? What drives their decision making?…
Doing vs Trying
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Doing vs Trying

Just as with students, I think a good mindset for educators is one where they are going to TRY things, not DO things.   Doing something implies that it is…
The First Step
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The First Step

  Getting started can be hard. It can be paralyzing. When I hear people say, “I don’t know how to draw.” What I always think is, ‘they don’t know how…
Student Choice
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Student Choice

I allow my students to choose what they work on, what goals they would like to explore, and where they would like to work.   My art room looks different.…