The Art Store

I'm loving our new "Art Store" for a couple of reasons. 

1. The name is catchy and the kids are right in synch with it and 

2. This counter area is staying super organized and neat due to having a specific purpose. I chose this long counter because it is an under-utilized, central space in the room. 

The Art store isn't new, but the name sure is. We've always had a "supply table" but how blah does that sound in comparison? I found myself reminding the kids where the particular supplies were and now they just gravitate right to "The Art Store" for those dry, everyday supplies like rulers, tape, colored pencils, Sharpies, oil pastels, paper, etc. Who doesn't love to shop? I told the kids to leave their wallets at home because the art supplies are for their use, free of charge. We all kind of daydreamed a bit about shopping at a free store....

Thanks go to Tennessee Rock Star art teacher and fellow blogger Cassie Stephens who has a similar name for her supply area which is where I got this neat idea. I think she calls hers "The Art Supply Store". 

Check out her blog: cassiestephens.blogspot.com

How can I help but to love my job!

It's moments that I can capture like this that make my day. I love being as close as I can to art, after all, it is one of the things that I love the most in this world. Seeing my students intently enjoy the art making process and complain when the class period is over is one of the best feelings ever. 

My 5th graders are enjoying our annual name design project so much. It is one of very few projects that I repeat each year... going on 7 years strong :-)

My room has changed some this year. Mostly in that I hung up a few paintings that we collaboratively made and some of the decorations from the Art Show that we had in June. 

The only other major changes are that the tables have been pushed together to create "islands". So far, the kids and I are loving the new table situation and it's working great for us. 

Our Class mascot...long story.  If you haven't noticed over the years, I have an obsession with hanging things and mobiles. 

Clay Supply Organization

I am feeling proud of myself this wonderful Monday morning because I finally organized my everyday clay supplies into two crates. Before, they were organized but not nearly as well.
Over the weekend, I cleaned/organized underneath the bathroom sinks at my home and had extra energy for organizing coming in today.
My second graders are doing a clay project later today and I know they will be excited to see some of the supplies we use in these crates.