We Make Our World Beautiful With Kindness!

Your True Colors ARE Beautiful!

 

I came across a similar art idea on Pinterest from http://elementaryartfun.blogspot.com/2011/09/fun-with-photoshop.html.  She used the computer to edit a picture of a little girl painting the sky.  I thought it would be easier to have students use watercolors to paint their rainbows. 

 

A colleague and I took pictures of students pretending to paint areas all around the playground during recess.  Students turned their back to me while holding a paint can in one hand and a paint brush in the other.  We decided to put it together with Cindy Lauper's "True Colors."  We read the book "Have You Filled a Bucket" and talked with students about how we can make a better world.  To accompany their art, students wrote about ways to make the world a more beautiful place.  They came up with ideas like giving hugs, picking up trash, sharing with friends, etc.  It was a great lesson in friendship!  I had more comments on this art display than any other I had ever done.  Thanks for the art idea Natalie!   The students loved it!  It also went well with our weather unit!  If anyone else does something similar, please leave me a comment letting me know what you have done.  I am always open to new ideas! 

 

Sailing On Our First Grade Journey

A tray of sailboats for sneak peek night!  What better way to get my little crew started on the right course than with rice krispy boats?  You just make triangle shaped sail cut-outs with student names typed in word-art format.  I glued the triangle sails onto toothpicks.  I wrapped the rice krispies in plastic wrap and then pushed the sails into place!  This goes with the theme I am using; "We are on a journey."  It fits perfectly with Peter H. Reynolds book entitled "The North Star."  I strongly recommend going to the Fablevision site where Peter Reynolds has provided free access to amazing posters that reinforce caring and responsible choices.

Simple "Sailboat Krispy Treats"

 

My hallway display reinforcing the idea that we are setting sail for a great first grade journey!  I feel this is an important message to get across, especially at the beginning of the year.  First grade is such an amazing journey of learning.  I want my students to understand just how important every day is.  We only get to do each day once!

 

 

Learning

To anyone who wants to start a blog, I encourage you to not give up.  Just like my mom use to tell me and like I tell my students now...."can't never did anything."  You can do anything if you try hard enough.  I believe I have finally figured out how to attach my TPT products to my blog page!  Now I am off to do classroom related items.

Here It Goes!

I am traversing the unknown as we speak.  I have recently started perusing the world of blog and have found it quite captivating!  I have discovered just how talented teachers are in this world.  I stumbled upon the wonderful site "TeachersPayTeachers" and was instantly excited by the possibilities.  TPT is just what I have been longing for; the opportunity to create and share educational material.

Melissa DePriest