How Is A Work of Art Like a Toaster?

Wow, made it through another First-Week-Of-School! I love my students. These young teens are so talkative and yet so mute. So, so awkward and yet so sure of themselves. So cool and yet fun and funny. On Thursday we made toast and talked about how a work of art is like a toaster: when all the elements are functioning well the out-come is a complete experience like a a lovely, piece of buttered toast. This silly opening activity was a fun way to introduce the Elements of Art: line, shape, form, space, color and texture.

Breaking Bread together is a time honored tradition of connecting with others. A not so traditional ice breaker activity this week that helped us cool down while building bonds was an ice melting relay race. I gave each table group of 4-5 students an ice cube. The winning group melted their cube first. Such a simple and silly activity. We do not have air conditioning and it was a stifling 90 degrees in the art room with humidity to match. This was a very popular activity that left me with clean art tables!