I would describe my learning in the arts this semester as the blossoming and growth of a flower. I feel as though, I was able to explore interests and areas that are of inspiration to me. I was able to become further immersed in the areas of visual art through the sketches, dance through the unit I was able to teach, and performance and drama through our Christmas, potluck performance. These learnings are sure to add to the balance of teaching abilities that have been aquired over the past year and a half.

For My 490 practicum, I had the opportunity to teach dance. My unit focussed on teaching the students to Cha Cha, and Line Dance. This unit was designed to give students a history, learn basic elements and concepts and develop a comfort and appreciation for performance. This is a picture taken of student group performance on the last day of class. I was so excited to see their enthusiasm

This is my most recent painting, 'Light House.'

For the love of the ocean.

This is one of my first paintings. As you can tell, my attempt to be abstract!

'Starry Night'

Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists. I first became intrigued by his artwork in Grade 4. We had to replicate a piece of art that we felt most inspired by. I chose to do a pastel picture of "Starry Night." There was something about the shapes, swirles and contrasts between the yellow and blue hues that were captivating, even at a young age. The paintings are representatives of of color blends and textures. This painting depicted here is known as "Sunflowers." In the past year I have taken up acrylic painting on canvas. I believe that the love of painting, began when first visualizing, comprehending, and feeling the Van Gogh works at a young age.

The Christmas potluck performance was a unique experience. It was an experience in the planning as well as the presentng process. As a class we experienced for the first time, a little tension and turmoil. In response to this we had to address the issue in professional manner. I thnk that everyone was pleased with the outcome in the end. Everyone had a part to play that they felt comfortable with. This was reflective of situations that might arise in a classroom so it is evident that flexibilty in understanding of comfort zones is a necessity when planning the arts. I felt that even though the presentation was not a polished as previous years, the audience was engaged and appeared to really enjoy the song and play. This experience really added to the life long learning in this area.

The UNBC art show was a great opportunity to observe proud children and proud parents. Students were so excited to show their families their achievements. As I wandered up and down the third floor talking to parents and students, I wondered if these students have had opportunities like this before, or if they ever would again. In any case, it was their moment to shine. What a wonderful moment. I was truely glad to be apart of this program and would hope to implement something like this in my teaching career.

Creating an Identity Box

I was given an great opportunity to propose a project to my grade 7 students from an activity idea generated from the Holocaust workshop. I chose this as the culminating activity for our Holocaust novel study on the book, I Have Lived a Thousand Years.

Most all the students were very enthusiastic about completing this project and did an excellent job of their identity boxes. They all had magnificant ideas about who they were and what represented them. In particular, there were three students who were often very quiet and not as outgoing as the other students who truley show dedication to the project and themselves.

My decison to choose these three students for the student are show at UNBC was not a difficult one. I was intrigued by the creativity and effort shown by these students. They were able to express themselves in a manner that was very unique.

Sadly, none of my studens showed up to the art show, to admire their beautiful art work, however there is merrit in knowing that for the three weeks I was in my practicum, I was able to see a creative and confident side of these three students who normally fade into the background.

Eathshape # 2: The Descent

As I looked at this giant mass that stood before me, I stared for a moment before I began to climb. One, two, three, four, five; step after step until I reached the top. I felt as though I had conquered Everest and I could see the whole world at my finger tips. Then I turned to make my descent. I froze, how would I conquer the fear, the fear of falling. I looked to the sky and step by step, bottom by bottom, I came to the ground to meet my world, my everything.

Earthshape # 1: Awakening


This is my first earth shape, a place of peace and serenity. Here, I lay in the white, hot, sunken sand and visualize the shapes of the clouds. The calm breeze tickles my toes as a look to the cascading shadow absorbing some of the sun above me. I am at ease here, I never want to leave.

This is my personal Scrapbook containing pieces of art that tell a story of who I am and who I want to be. I hope whoever browses this sight will be intrigued by what they see!

First Post September 28, 2006

I finally figured it out. Technology can be fun!!!!!!!!!!!