Visual Definitions

SpellingCity

Image Chef is a neat little web tool that converts your text into a graphic image.  It is different from Wordle because the words do not change size with the frequency of use.  The niche is the shape of the graphic; all text is fitted inside the shape.  Classroom teachers could use this in a number of ways: as graphic organizers, visual reminders for phonics, brainstorms, etc.

This summer I have been thinking about incorporating animation into my curriculum.  Alas, as with many teachers, I have only one computer and limited funds.  Yet with the encouragement of some of my arted2.0 colleagues stop motion seems not just possible but a plausible way to expose my young artists to animation. I have visions of story boards and old digital cameras in our future...

Below is an example created by my 5 year old with very little assistance from me.  Summer sure is fun!

Just a little humor to get us ready for the new school year :-)

When questioned about assessment in the art room I often answer "we never stop learning.   This much learning can only be assessed through continuous observation.  Why don't you come by for a visit?"  Like most art teachers, I display student work in the school hallways yet, the final art product is ONLY one component to art education.  So many concepts are integrated into each and every learning activity, it may be hard to know where to begin with formative assessment - and honestly, I am looking for fun and creative forms of assessment!  Aren't we all?  

VoiceThread
VoiceThread is an online application in which users upload visual media and collaborate with others using audio, text and video commentary.  YES - Fun and interactive assessment!!!  VoiceThreads are just plain cool.

VoiceThread  provides a tool to facilitate student conversations using interactive Web 2.0 technology.  Students can engage in dialogue about images and publish the collective work of a classroom. Students can also upload their work and leave an audio or written reflection of their processes and learning. Additionally, classrooms have the capability to create stories by adding narrative to images. Students may work alone, with the class or across the country, leaving and receiving comments for other K-12 students and teachers.  VoiceThreads are also available for parental viewing. Furthermore, VoiceThread  offers a secure network for K-12 educators to create, store and share collective works.

Assessment in the ART ROOM
Recently, my kindergarten and first grade students spent time learning about Faith Ringgold - her art, her life, her books.  Inspired by Ringgold's story quilts and the book, Tar Beach, we created our own story quilts from paper, paint, crayons, markers & glue.  We took imaginary flying trips over our own community of Atoka, TN.  We wrote journal entries about what it would look and feel like to fly.  We explored pattern and shape.  We worked individually to create self portraits (using shape) and quilt squares incorporating pattern; we worked with partners to draw our local landscape and buildings; and we worked as a class to assemble the project into one large paper quilt.  As you will see, the end product is not only beautiful; it is inspiring to hear the children talk about their learning.

I have just begun recording student responses but you will get the idea... have fun viewing and listening to the VoiceThread.  Don't forget to check back once we return from spring break to hear from more of my students!

Click here for more information about VoiceThread and Engaging with Content and Building Visual Literacy.