To Paint or Not To Paint

I DID IT!!  I managed to have a full classroom painting at the same time and I never "wigged" out until the cleanup process.  Painting has always been the one medium I have feared in my teaching career.  While not rational, my thoughts would run rapid of all the "what ifs" when I would introduce paint.  I know learning is messy.  I understand kids need to do.  I recognize the need for artistic expression.  BUT, what if paint got on their clothes, the carpet, all over:  what would I do?!!!!

Referring to my favorite characters...Alvin Ho and Scarredy Squirrel...I devised a fool proof plan.

Mrs. Archer's Painting Preparation Process:

1.  Buy paint and brushes....check
2.  Secure painting area (a.k.a the cafeteria)...check
3.  Spend prep time sketching portraits and tracing with crayon...check
4.  Line tables with drop clothes...check
5.  Make a visual aid (chart) of clean-up jobs and the student responsible...check
6.  Pack multiple cleaning aids to the painting area...check
7. Bring a Diet Coke or Cup of Coffee for Mrs. Archer...I FORGOT!

As you can see, I was very detailed in my preparation.  My treasures painted with precision, waiting in line for their next colors.  Through their own schema, they began mixing paint to create the specific color they were seeking.  It was smooth! The portraits are amazing! (Will be sharing at a later post!)  Then, as with all projects, some began finishing at different times.  "What do I do now, Mrs. Archer?  Is it time for recess?  Are we going to recess?  Can I help do something?"  Aghhhhhh!  I forgot to plan some "what do I do when I'm done" stuff because we weren't in our classroom.  Then, it went crazy
( in my head) and my treasures were everywhere.  After much meandering, loitering, and dancing (yes,some of my treasures love to dance!)all the materials were cleaned up, spotless, and inspected.  It went well, and I'll do it again.
But, I will always remember: to take deep calming breaths (especially during cleanup),  bring a diet coke for me, and that could make all the difference!

Alvin Ho: Allergic To Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters

He CRACKS me up!!   Monday, after a delicious breakfast visit with my blogger friends, my family headed to the library.  While they were looking for their choices, I was thinking of my treasures as I perused the shelves.  I grabbed Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters on the way out.  (I, too, am allergic to camping!)

I began reading it that evening and was laughing hysterically.  My husband (an avid camper who does not read fiction) picked it up and finished it in one sitting. He, too, found humor in this quick read.   I've been raving about it to my class and will bring it to school tomorrow.

Alvin is like Scaredy Squirrel, Moxy Maxwell, and Clementine all rolled in one human form.  He makes lists, plans, and thinks of the worst possible scenarios on every adventure.  Alvin has an imagination that can take him to Mesopotamia during a dream, enlists his uncle for secret survival tips, and persuades his entire recess gang to go "camping" on the playground in their underwear.  I can definitely see my boys and girls laughing hysterical during reading workshop.  Because I think my treasures could identify with Alvin, my next read aloud may be  Alvin Ho:  Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things! 

I'm at the point where Alvin thinks he's in a tornado, when actually it's a thunderstorm.  Gotta go finish it before tomorrow!  Happy Reading!