My students all have to keep a notebook,
which they turn in for a grade several times per semester.
The notebooks have a section called "Bellringers", where the students have to write about something I assign at the beginning of class each day. It takes no longer than 10 minutes. I try to pick timely topics or some pop culture that is applicable to the day.
One of my students that is new to our district this year, always includes a little "doodle" that is relative to the writing topic. The little graphics are done so quickly, yet have so much fun detail.
I look forward to grading her notebook, just so I can look at the "doodles". I love how her mind works and I love her talent.
One day I casually asked her if she would be interested in doing some chalkboard drawings for me and she enthusiastically said yes. In fact she asked me every day when I was going to bring her something to "chalk" on.
I finally made it to Lowe's and bought several cheapo square boards. You know, those that are precut and around $5ish. I went home and painted them with chalkboard paint and took one to school. My cute little student had it back to me the next day. Oh my word. She was even better than I thought. (It was the cute little Christmas Bible-verse wreath).
So then I took the second board to school and told her how much I loved the quote, "BE the change you want to see in the world."
The next day she brought me this cute little board. I love what she did with it, putting the quote around the world. It will look so cute with my collection of globes.
I had an electric globe which I paired it with. Actually, I had never even tried the globe to see if it still lit up. I did not have high hopes for it . I plugged it in, tried the "on" switch and she lit right up. Perfect!!
Since this one, she has made me a couple of more. I promise I am not working this girl to death. She just loves to create and loves that I LOVE her creations. I prop them up at my desk when she brings them to me and other students love to see her work too. I think I will have her make another one like this one to keep in my classroom,
After all, is there a better message for high school students?
BE the change you want to see in the world.
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I wonder if you can begin to imagine the role your interest & encouragement is playing in this girl's life?!?! (And I suspect you are igniting "sparks" in many others, too, through your bellringers!)
ReplyDeleteLove it, Lori! She has a great future, doesn't she?
ReplyDeleteAsk her if she has an etsy shop yet. I'll visit. :)
What beautiful artwork! I am sure that,as a new student,she appreciates the attention you pay to her talent and sharing her work gives her a connection to the others! It's wonderful that you have given her a outlet for her talent and recognized this special part of this girl. I think that's one of the greatest things a teacher can do, is see a student as an individual and acknowledge them for their own individual strengths! Kudos to you! Hugs, Leena
ReplyDeleteI love your chalk art and the story behind it. Teaching is about relationships ( I teach middle school ) and you have obviously formed a relationship with your student. You are being "the change you want to see in the world" by the opportunity you are giving her.
ReplyDeleteBless you!