Art Ideas ~ Both Creative & Functional

I just finished doing an Art/Language Arts project with my EK Kids today. There was a little grumbling in the beginning, but once they got going most appeared to enjoy it and were engaged (at least that's what Mr. T. saw when he poked his head in). One of the wonderful results is that they actually finished the projects and we were able to display them (I'll post a picture soon - there were a few students away and I'd like to get them all in there). I hope they will be excited to display their work. I think next week I'll do it with the 2/3/4 class (they love art and are a much easier sell).

This got me thinking at 4 in the morning about what other art activities I can do with my class(es) that are fun, inspiring, easy to finish in one session and a little practical (or at least can be put on display).  My plan is to make some prototypes over spring break (let's see how well that works out - maybe I can make them at my Mom's when I go for a visit).

So here's are my bright ideas...

1). 1 litre milk cartons dressed up to be a desk organizer where they can put pencils, pens, ruler, scissors and anything else that needs to be readily accessible and is a little on the tall side. I thought everyone could make their own unique containers showing off their interests and personality and as an fabulous bonus they would be really useful (and hopefully a little sturdy). We would then attach them with Velcro so they stay on the desks, but they can also be taken home at the end  of the year or replaced if something happens to it (and you know something will of course).

2). Then we would make 1 or 2 co-ordinating pieces that can be used for smaller things like erasers, paper clips, flash drives, etc... - I have some great templates I can use from my Big Shot. 1 is a mini milk carton (so cute) and then a little matchbox template with a lid so things don't get lost. Overall I need to make sure I don't take up too much real estate on the desk because like any small surface, space is at a premium.

3). I thought because space is limited and desks get so crammed with stuff, what if they had a working on / homework file/ planner / reading material space that fits under their desk in the form of a file folder (or some other similar system) that is sturdy and won't easily rip. It can be almost the whole size of the desk so large pieces of paper can fit in and be slid out to reveal a more organized space. I'll have to make a few prototypes to see what works best. Maybe we can retro-fit their desks to be more organized too (How can you tell that I watch way too many decorating shows?).

4). One other organizing space I would like to spruce up is the cubby holes they have along the window wall in the classroom. Right now they are a disaster and things just get thrown in there. Maybe if we had a plan for what goes in there and how it is organized it might help a little (I have seen this work really well in other classrooms). I need to take more pictures of things I like that I see in other classrooms which would help remind me of what I can do - there's too much in my head to remember everything otherwise.

This will probably be a work in progress post or series of posts, but it's a good start!

Playing Games - Bonding Time

We had an awesome, but crazy afternoon last month called Winter-e-mas (I think that`s what it was called) where we brought in game systems (Wii & Xbox Kinect) and students went around to different stations to be able to play video games. Needless to say, it was a huge hit. I stayed in the room with the XBox & Kinect (I brought it from home) and was it ever cool and fun! We all took turns with the Dance Central games and some of the most unlikely students were totally into it. What a great way to exercise and still have fun.

This month we are have a board games night at the school and I can't wait. It's going to be so awesome!!!

National Geographic Atlas Puzzles

National Geographic Atlas Puzzles is a fun app that would be great for some of my E. K. kids.
You can time yourself or challenge your friends and see how long it takes you to put together the puzzle.

The Science & Math of Basketball's 3 Point Shot

Here is a cool way to look at how Math and Science can explain how successful a player can be in making a 3 point shot. This would be a good example to show to the kids at E. K. and works as a good introduction to a simple geometry lesson for students. Do you think they would want to measure angles in the gym? Nothing ventured nothing gained right?

Funny Show

Carl and I just watched the most hilarious show today (based on a recommendation from a friend - thanks Alison!). It's called The IT Crowd - the basic premise is that a lady gets hired to manage an IT department of a British company even though she has no clue about how to do it or much about computers at all. The 2 guys that work in the department are total social misfits (of course). There are only 5 episodes per season (typical British series amount). The first episode was a little shaky, but it just got laugh out loud funny as it went along. I looked it up on imdb.com and apparently they tried to do an American version with Joel McHale (from the also hilarious Community), but it never got picked up. Usually British series don't translate as well to an American series.

Music & Dance ~ Serena Ryder

As part of the Olympics and Paralympic Games concert series, I was able to see Serena Ryder live last night at Live City near GM Place. Here are some YouTube links of her best songs.

Weak in the Knees

All For Love

Little Bit of Red

Good Morning Starshine

(I wanted to embed a YouTube video, but it's disallowed)

I was really impressed with how well she performed live. In this age of manufactured pop artists that look good, but can't sing in tune to save their lives (unless they are lip-syncing), it was truly refreshing to hear someone who could sing in tune. Not only did she hit all the right notes, she had personality, wit, energy and performed with unique phrasing, subtle quietness and was able to belt it out when the song needed it. She sang a great version of the 70s song that I can't think of right now (I'll ask my friend Michelle who was singing away with me).

Too many artists (especially female ones) over sing and over run songs with endless melisma which gets awfully tiresome - sometimes you just wanna yell "Just sing the song, don't wring it's neck and kill it!"My friends and I were all awed by her abilities. I have her first CD and after last night, I think I'll pick up her latest one too, it's worth it. Plus it helps that she's Canadian (even if she is from Ontario - I won't hold it against her) so I gotta support a good Canadian chick!

Music & Dance ~ Miyanda Girls

I went to see my friend's daughter perform on Saturday afternoon (she's the girl in the middle of the front row). Their group is fundraising to go on a trip to Scotland to perform.

Movie Review ~ Up in the Air

Movie: Up in the Air

Directed By: Jason Reitman

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Jason Bateman and Anna Kendrick

Synopsis: Ryan Bingham (George Clooney), a corporate downsizer and consummate modern business traveler who, after years of staying happily airborne, suddenly finds himself ready to make a real connection. Ryan has long been contented with his unencumbered lifestyle lived out across America in airports, hotels and rental cars. He can carry all he needs in one wheel-away case; he's a pampered, elite member of every travel loyalty program in existence; and he's close to attaining his lifetime goal of 10 million frequent flier miles-- and yet...Ryan has nothing real to hold onto. When he falls for a simpatico fellow traveler (Vera Farmiga), Ryan's boss (Jason Bateman), inspired by a young, upstart efficiency expert (Anna Kendrick), threatens to permanently call him in from the road. Faced with the prospect, at once terrifying and exhilarating, of being grounded, Ryan begins to contemplate what it might actually mean to have a home.

Review: Normally I'm not a big fan of critically praised movies (usually they are depressing, full of dysfunctional people or boring), but in this case I can see why it was nominated for Best Picture. I know I know, George Clooney - while I am not immune to his charms, I thought he did a fantastic job as a person bound by his well-ordered life that is abruptly shaken up by change in his company's operating policy. Overall there was terrific character development - they were all believable and I became emotionally involved in what happened to each of them. The most important aspect of the story was that each character developed and did not remain stagnant and there was a strong element of redemption for the main and supporting characters. I find that crucial in a story -  it's often the reason I don't like many critically acclaimed movies because there is a lack of redemption. Rating: 4/5

Movie Review ~ Avatar

Movie: Avatar
Directed by: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi, Michelle Rodriguez, Stephen Lang and the voice of Zoe Saldana.

Synopsis: AVATAR is the story of an ex-Marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people.

Review: It took so long for me to get to finally see this movie, that I was starting to worry that it wouldn't live up to the hype (much the same as Titanic). Well my fears were totally unfounded. What can I say... I was blown away. The story, characters and most of all the world of Pandora drew you in right from the beginning. I know many people felt the movie plot/story didn't live up to the movie's special effects, but I disagree it's the story and characters that helps you become invested in what happens. I was mesmerized by the world James Cameron created and after it was over, I remember going outside and remarking that everything seemed so plain compared to the world I just spent almost 3 hours in.I can see how we could end up living in a world where people escape their lives through virtual living (much like the movie Surrogates). Rating: 4.5/5

2010 Winter Olympics ~ Wrap-Up

Ok, it's a little sad that it's taken more than a month to write. I did get caught up a little in Olympic fever more so than I ever have in the past. In previous Olympics (usually only the winter ones), I'll watch some of the hockey and that's about it. It sure made a difference having it here. I guess there is something about being able to recognize the places where the events are taking place (even if I can't actually afford to go to any of the events). I was able to go downtown and watch some of the games with other people which made it so much more exciting!!! 

I also know it's shouldn't be all about the medal count, but it's hard not to use that as a measuring stick when it's on the main page of the website and it's what most people are talking about. In reality, the Olympics are all about competition among other things. To see who is the best (at that particular moment or fraction of a second) and to have bragging rights both as an individual and a nation. For once, even though we didn't "own the podium" as was the motto of this Olympic Winter Games for Canada, we did set a couple of Olympic records - highest medal count for a host country and most Gold Medals won in the Winter Olympics. It's pretty phenomenal that we are now a part of history and that countries from around the world will try to break records that we Canadians set.

The best part of these Olympics was being able to share it with other Canadians and people from around the world. When else is this going to happen in my lifetime where I live? Probably never again, so these are memories to cherish forever and that's pretty cool.

This weekend will mark the end of the Paralympic Games portion of the 2010 Winter Olympics and put this all in the history books. I hope people can look back on this time as a bright spot in our history and hopefully we won't have to pay for this for the next 50 years.

2010 Winter Olympics ~ Canada Wins Gold!

We finally did it! Alexandre Bilodeau won a Gold Medal at home in Men's Moguls. What an amazing feat. We also had 2 other skiers place close to the medals at 4th and 5th.

Way to go Canada!!!!!