Every fourth Friday I spend time teaching art to my kids, in their classroom at school. Art, one of my personal passions, is not taught nearly enough in today's classroom environment. I have asked both of my kid's teachers if I could come into their classroom once a month. Today I had the chance to go to Hayden's class first - and it was so much fun! The kids know me a bit from coaching soccer, so that was cool. I taught them all about drawing in perspective. Something that Mr. Songer taught me in high school. It is a matter of learning how to draw in cube form, and understanding that perspective has rules. As I was passing out supplies I noticed a little girl crying, so I paid special attention to her, and she turned out to be an excellent artist. She left with a giant smile on her face. The kids were building sky scrapers and all kinds of 3-D boxes by the time the hour was up. I loved every min of it. Then it was off to set up for Emma's class. I got there a few min early, so I stepped outside to...recess...haha!! YES!!! All the drama, all the energy, all the same. I have been going into Emma's class for a few months now, so the kids know me and WOW....I got 7 hugs right off the bat!!! These kids are so sweet, and of course the love me cause I am Artsy Amy, and there is no 2+2 or spelling words when we are using our imagination. I have a few star artists who listen so intently to me, and these kids are really good! Today we made original designs by ripping small pieces of colored paper. We had so many great ideas come out of the group. These two hours each fourth Friday are some of the best minutes I spend with my kids. As I was packing up to leave one boy came up to me and showed me his picture, and I told him he better go home and tell his dad what he had done..he just looked at me and said, "I have never met my dad, in fact I don't know where he is. Its just me and my mom." And I replied, "Then you go home and show your mom what you created, and you give her and extra big hug, because she might need it."
So today. Give your best to a child. It could possibly be the biggest investment you make all day.
7 comments:
Beautifully written Aim, and well said! I love it. I love that you have made time to go into Hayden and Emma's classes and teach art. I know all of the other parents are probably really happy you do that too. You're making a difference and I bet it feels great. Yeah for Moms in the classroom! Yeah for imagination and art and spending time with your kids. Isn't it so fun to go into the school? It's the best.
Aims, that is so great! Seriously. Every child's situation is so different and I'm sure this has a very special and important impact on them - Haydude and Em too. I have heard so many sad stories about kids from my mom, and how much teachers really do have such a profound place in their lives. Way to go for being a great teacher!!!
BTW - that pic of me up camping is sc-a-ry! I feel bad everyone had to look at me like that for all those days. hahaha! We'll have to get a better updated one. :)
you are the cutest good doer i know. i simply adore you. LY!
Man, I wish I had kids with moms like you in my class. It is so neat that you take the time to share one of your talents and teach art. As a teacher I feel bad that so many of the fun things like art and music have been neglected and pushed out of day.
I also wanted to thank you for writing that letter. Sorry for no warning. Let's get together soon!
What a great idea!!!.
I want to be in that class too!!!
I just hang on the wall the painting of the sea that you gave me for my birthday. I love it!!!. It's great that you are sharing it with others and Emma and Hayden are there too.
That is so sweet! I wish Saige was in Emma's class so she could have art time with you too! You are so talented!!!!
I have to say how much I agree with how important art is. I have been studying science pretty much since high school but have always left a place for art. There are some kids in my class that are all about SCIENCE SCIENCE SCIENCE!! These would be the socially backwards retards that have no fun with their lives and probably no fun with their kids. N-E-ways Great post!!
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