Picture Day

I did my best to ensure that my children did not show up looking like total scrubs for Picture Day. My own First Grade picture was god awful. Like I was a hippie child booted from the commune after refusing food and sunlight for months. Truthfully, I think I had been out sick and no one got the notice that it was sparkle and shine time. Sigh. Other than convince Beck that a button up short sleeve shirt should not be worn with ONLY the top button buttoned, and persuading Max to NOT wear a long sleeve T under a short sleeve button up, we were good to go. They even had me put product in their hair. So handsome.

Kandinsky for Kindergarteners

I've taken on the role of "Art Odyssey" mom in Max's classroom this year. Even in this stellar school district we are without music and arts as curriculum mandatories. That leaves it to the PTA to purchase or develop (GULP!) programs which will supplement the standard math/science/reading drills. So sad. Anyhow, once each month I trot out a preselected poster-style image in a 20x30 frame and share a bit about the featured artist. Following the presentation I lead an art project.

This month we celebrated Wassily Kandinsky and discussed Night Storm (see directly above). Each student took a variety of shapes and traced them with crayons, layering and filling the page. Step two, each child dipped into their watercolor tray and went to town. Mrs. A played some lovely classical music in the background and I have to say, it was a fine exercise. Lots of great "stormy" drama and emo exploration.