I went to another school today for a meeting and they had really cool artwork up in their library. Each grade level painted a picture of The Cat in the Hat using a different style:

Kindergarten - Pointillism

First - Collage

Second - Fauvism

Third - Cubism

Fourth - Pop Art

Fifth - Expressionism

I'm in charge of the Art Show and I plan to do something similar this year. I'll probably pick something other than "The Cat in the Hat" (even though he's very cute). The Art Show's in May, I'll post pics then.

Finished Mural!!!

News Channel 3 did a feature on the mural. Check it out:

http://www.azfamily.com/video/index.html?nvid=389447&shu=1

Where is Everyone?

A great way to keep track of your students is to use a chart like the one in the picture. Every student has a clothespin with their name on it. The first thing they do when they come in, is to move their clothespin over to "I'm Here". This is an easy way to take attendance. If a student needs to use the restroom, go to the office or nurse, etc., they move their clothespin to that section on the chart. It's an easy way to keep track of your students.

Book Hospital

I always have broken/ripped books that need to be fixed. They're usually all over the place. I decided this year to create a "Book Hospital". It's just a simple tub that I or the students can throw a broken book into. I also have packing tape in the tub, that way parent volunteers can check the tub and fix any books that are in it.

Day 3 of Art Mural

Day 2 of Art Mural

Justin Pierce Art Mural

I met Justin through some friends and immediately loved his work. He painted a mural at a friend's studio and I asked if he would be willing to paint a mural at my school. He said "Yes" and I was very excited. Justin started the mural today and will finish it on Friday. I took a picture of the finished results of Day 1 and I will post more pics tomorrow.

Check out Justin's website: http://www.jpiercecollection.com/

Follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/IAmJPierce