Making sketchbooks

This year I have  a self-contained EBD class of all boys.  They're very energetic and I'm excited to be working with them.  Art can often be a very important class to all students, but especially for those with exceptional needs.

To begin the semester, I wanted the students to have something they could have ownership of and keep with them to sketch or journal when the mood struck.  I decided to use our school's binder maker to create budget-friendly sketchbooks.  The boys were shown how to create a collage of (school-appropriate) images that represented things that they liked.  They also had to spell their names out with letters from magazines.  I laminated the front and back cover, and we used the binder maker to put it all together.  When they were completed, the kids were very excited to take their sketchbooks with them.

8th grade Asymmetrical Folders

For our first project this year, the 8th graders played with the idea of "two sides" to create asymmetrical designs on their Art folders. The variety seen in their work is outstanding! Some students chose nature themes, others humor, while others tackled very deep issues. I'm excited to see what the rest of the semester will produce. There is A LOT of talent in our Panther Artists!

West Milwaukee Open House

Please come and join us at West Milwaukee Intermediate on Wednesday, September 20th at 6:30.  We are having our annual Open House.  This is a fantastic way for families to meet their students' teachers, ask questions, and observe all the hard work going on here at West.  Students and families will be able to visit each individual classroom.  Stop by the Art Room and take a look at all of the previous 8th graders artist-inspired ceiling tiles!  Hope to see you there!