Poetry to Enliven Prose

Poetry to Enliven Prose

Holding up a red box adorned with a red satin bow I remind my students, “Great writing is a gift.” I’ve discovered that the Japanese form of poetry, haiku, is a perfect way to teach students that practicing poetry will…

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa

To culminate our Da Vinci Summer, everyone lent a hand in the creation of a larger-than-life i Madonnari Mona Lisa. Such a fun way to create art together! Here’s our process in pictures…

I’m Me 101

I’m Me 101

Today seven-year-old Mikayla, the youngest girl in our school, watched me climb on a countertop in high heels to fetch a pot for tea and observed, “My mom would never do that.” “I’m me,” I replied. This gave me an…

A Closer Look – Pt 2

A Closer Look – Pt 2

Here is how to begin an Observation Journal: Materials: A binder to collect completed observations Cardstock for drawing Lined paper for writing Pencil Colored Pencils Chalk Pastel Thick and thin waterproof markers Watercolor Pencils Watercolor Magnifying Glass 1. Look at…

A Closer Look – Pt 1

A Closer Look – Pt 1

One morning as students began streaming in under the weight of backpacks popping at the seams. I recognized immediately that I would have to start scheduling time slots so that hours on end were not consumed with Show and Tell.…

Ideas First

Ideas First

Just got home from Waiting for Superman. Great film. I am reminded that the recipe for academic success still lies with the individual. When I first saw the trailer, Sherman Alexie’s essay, “Superman and Me” came to mind. After viewing…

A Creative Challenge

A Creative Challenge

The new CB Fall Challenge is now posted. What do your young artists have to communicate about "City"? I realized long ago that I am a mentor who cares deeply about protecting and promoting individuality. In my co-op, my foremost…

Happy Birthday Robert McCloskey!

Happy Birthday Robert McCloskey!

"ku-plink, ku-plank, ku-plunk"… Onomatopoeia! When you read these words, don't you instantly see the little tin bucket in the hands of Sal and hear it filling up with blueberries? Or when you're at the park and see a momma duck…

Very First iModinarri

Very First iModinarri

I’m not sure how many years have passed since Sara, Evelyn, Hannah and I participated in iMadonnari but I will never forget the experience. We packed a picnic, slathered on the sunscreen, and set out with our bucket of chalk…

Making Our Teepee

Making Our Teepee

Since my daughter was a wee one, we've always made a summer wishlist—places to visit, things to make, people to see. Every idea gets put down on paper to hold us accountable to some good memory-making and to have a…