Three Cheers for Art

I love teaching the primary classes because every time I walk into the room for art class, the whole class cheers with excitement. Last week I was teaching class 2 about how to create patterns so I decided to give them a rainbow scratchboard to practice drawing their patterns on. As I was demonstating on the whiteboard how to create a pattern using different shapes, the entire class was so quiet and intensely watching me draw. It was such an amazing moment because they were all silent and listening. It does not always happen this way where they are all listening as I am trying teach. As I drew the different patterns on the board they applauded with complete delight and amazement at what I was drawing. It was so great! Then when I told them they would each get a scratchboard of their own to use to create patterns on, they all shouted with excitement and clapped. It was so precious to see all their faces light up with joy over having the opportuntity to use the materials I brought for them. I am sure this was their first time using a scratchboard, and they were anxious to try it out.

Last week I was also teaching class 3 about how to create patterns with paper shapes and how to create a rubbing from their patterns. I demonstrated on the whiteboard how to create a pattern with fun shapes. I showed them step by step how to create a pattern on the board, and they all applauded me with each step. Then afterwards I showed them my sample and immediately after they saw it, they all clapped. They also got really excited and clapped when I showed them how to create a rubbing using my example. All the children loved using the fun shapes to make their own patterns, and it was so sweet to hear them sing quietly as they worked. These are the moments when I am teaching that make the hard days all worth it. This was definitely the highlight of my week! I have so much I would love to teach all the children here, and it is these days that are so rewarding when I see the delight and excitement in the faces.