Over the last year, the students have given me many nicknames. I think it makes them feel like they have a closer relationship with me if they are allowed to call me something other than Ms. Holcomb. haha! I have heard kids call me Wendy, Gertrude, Yo Flame! and Miiisssss Honeycomb!! (all names with stories behind them)
....But this last week I earned my favorite one yet: "Mom."
I have no children of my own...but I was surprised at the happiness when one of my rowdy 6th grade boys thought it would be okay to start calling me "Mom." I care about these kids and I think they know that!
The other day I was in the middle of a demonstration for a new project when this boy interrupts me in a demanding voice:
"Mom, are you going to be here next year!!??"
I stopped and looked around. The rest of the class was dead silent and watching me expectantly for my answer. So I smiled.
"I can officially say that....yes, I will be here next year."
The class erupted in a cheer and it melted my heart.
So moms out there, this is for you. You have some great kids and I am blessed to get to see them for a short time each day. I teach them to appreciate beauty and express themselves through art...but really, I think they teach me more than I teach them most days. Thanks for doing what YOU do!
~Miss WendyFlameGertrudeHoneycombMom
Now...for an arts update!!
8th Grade Paper Sculptures:
Students learned about artist Jean Dubuffet and fashioned paper sculptures similar to his work. This was their first 3-D project and it really challenged them to think about how to create connections to assemble their pieces.
By the way...in case you didn't know...middle schoolers are fascinated by mustaches! I had a lot of these shapes come up while they were cutting out their "organic" shapes for the project.
....But this last week I earned my favorite one yet: "Mom."
I have no children of my own...but I was surprised at the happiness when one of my rowdy 6th grade boys thought it would be okay to start calling me "Mom." I care about these kids and I think they know that!
The other day I was in the middle of a demonstration for a new project when this boy interrupts me in a demanding voice:
"Mom, are you going to be here next year!!??"
I stopped and looked around. The rest of the class was dead silent and watching me expectantly for my answer. So I smiled.
"I can officially say that....yes, I will be here next year."
The class erupted in a cheer and it melted my heart.
So moms out there, this is for you. You have some great kids and I am blessed to get to see them for a short time each day. I teach them to appreciate beauty and express themselves through art...but really, I think they teach me more than I teach them most days. Thanks for doing what YOU do!
~Miss WendyFlameGertrudeHoneycombMom
Now...for an arts update!!
8th Grade Paper Sculptures:
Students learned about artist Jean Dubuffet and fashioned paper sculptures similar to his work. This was their first 3-D project and it really challenged them to think about how to create connections to assemble their pieces.
By the way...in case you didn't know...middle schoolers are fascinated by mustaches! I had a lot of these shapes come up while they were cutting out their "organic" shapes for the project.
5th Grade Texture Wall:
I introduced the students to American artist Louise Nevelson, who puts together found objects and then paints her sculpture a solid color to create a wonderfully textured display with shadows. Students then used pieces of cut and folded white paper and glued them onto cardstock in a variety of ways. Individually, these were not that great...but once they were put together into a collaborative wall display...it looked awesome!
I introduced the students to American artist Louise Nevelson, who puts together found objects and then paints her sculpture a solid color to create a wonderfully textured display with shadows. Students then used pieces of cut and folded white paper and glued them onto cardstock in a variety of ways. Individually, these were not that great...but once they were put together into a collaborative wall display...it looked awesome!
Origami Cyclops Eye:
This is called A "Ms. Holcomb needs a break because she didn't quite decide on our next project yet since we only have two full weeks of school left...so we're doing origami!!" Day. Lol...but the kiddos always enjoy origami and learned how to draw a detailed eye with the iris, pupil, and reflection. You can learn too by clicking here!
This is called A "Ms. Holcomb needs a break because she didn't quite decide on our next project yet since we only have two full weeks of school left...so we're doing origami!!" Day. Lol...but the kiddos always enjoy origami and learned how to draw a detailed eye with the iris, pupil, and reflection. You can learn too by clicking here!
Lately, when the 7th graders finish a project early I have them work on Group Paintings. They love this! I let them find a picture online and they use my projector to trace it onto big paper.