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?

3 comments:

Learning in Wonderland said...

This book has helped me so much. Before I read it, I felt lost as far as writer's workshop was concerned. I always knew that drawing was essential to good story telling but I needed an expert to confirm that for me :) Your student's illustrations are fabulous!
Maribel

Shelley H said...

Cheryl,
What a great post (as always) and I love the pics of the students drawing with the author. We rarely get author's visits because they all live in the US and it costs us tons of $ to bring them up to Canada. Nina Laden once came to our school after much begging from me! and she did a guided drawing with our students on dogs which was wonderful! Her books are fabulous for drawing and kids love animals. I am going to have to put this on my summer read list! Thanks for sharing and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the video! I must share it on my Facebook Page!

Sincerely,
Shelley
www.facebook.com/youhavethewritestuff

Kathleen Schill said...

Cheryl, OMG I needed that video in such a bad way! I am glad I am not the only teacher out there in Phase 4 haha!!! I linked you in my post (going to publish it soon), I hope you will stop by. I have just started my own blog (But have been partaking in blogging for awhile!) so I would love if one of my favs (YOU) would take a peak - nothing like yours, but maybe someday haha:)! I see you around Pinterest all the time too; pretty sure we follow each other, so I feel like I already know you haha! Anyways, thanks for all you do, and relaxing Spring Break vibes are being sent your way!

Kathleen
k-3kathleenblogspot.com