6 Phases of Teaching

I came with the intention of writing a new post entitled Technique Tuesday.  I was going to discuss in more detail a book study I'm currently hosting in school.  I hope a summary will do...

Last year Deedee Wills introduced me to Katie Wood Rays' In Pictures and In Words.  Best book!!  It's changed the way my students craft their writing and illustrations.  In combination with guided drawing once a week and a guided drawing center, students have taken the time and care needed for a strong illustration.  They share their work with pride.  

This year, a few teachers in K-2 decided to get together for professional development and read this book again.  We share our reflections and most recently began diving into the techniques. I'm a bit ahead of the game because I started day one of school.  Here are a few samples from my class...

This was a combination of techniques: Crafting with Distance Perspective (up close and in the distance) AND Crafting with Positioning Perspective (in front , back, side).

This was a combination of techniques: Crafting with Positioning Perspective (in front , back, side) AND Crafting a Background (a lot, little, hardly any).  

As you may be aware, our school theme this year is SUPERHEROES.  We started the year off with a book of the month to align with the theme entitled SuperHero ABC by Bob McLeod...

Oh.my.word, the kids were so excited when he came to our school.  Bob McLeod shared the process that took place to create his book.  If you are not familiar, you probably know his work.  He become a top inker at Marvel and DC on many series, including The Incredible Hulk, Conan the Barbarian, The Legion of Super Heroes, Detective Comics, Wonder Woman, and The New Titans, as well as penciling Star Wars and several Spider-Man fill-ins for Marvel.  Cool right?!?  

Not only did he share the process of creating illustrations, he guided the kids through a session making Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Last nine weeks the kids were invited to watch Superman for their 9 week reading reward.  This 9 weeks, they learned to draw with a "REAL" illustrator!  Doesn't get any better...

Each week I teach my students a technique.  On Fridays, we have a guided drawing sessions.  The growth in their work is astonishing!  I have a guided drawing pinterest board that I display on the white board.  Before we start drawing, we discuss the shapes recognized within the picture.  To link, click image below...

So are you interested why I titled the post 6 Phases of Teaching?  Watch the video below.  On difficult days like today, I need a little laugh...  I found this video three years ago and it always reminds me things will turn around after a summers break.  ;-)

What stage are you currently?