January has been filled with all kinds of sculptural investigations, folding techniques, and 3D form building. The Dolphin and Beluga class completed paper sculptures inspired by the work of Charles McGee and Jean Dubuffet. Students developed fine motor skills and showed sustained focus, creative investigation, play, and resilience as they solved problems and overcame challenges. The second half of the month was Open Studio. Students were invited to construct anything they wanted. Their creations had to be sculptural, made of paper, and secured with glue. These kids are amazing! The room was filled with abundant creative energy. We made a mess, worked collaboratively, overcame challenges, and made incredible discoveries. Their engagement was profound. 

It was a mixed-media month for the Otters and Narwhals. Students painted, played with patterns, learned about one-point perspective, and practiced ellipses, symmetry, and oil pastel painting resist. We haven't quite finished our hot cocoa projects. Photos are coming soon! 

Teaching Artistic Behavior is a pedagogy through which students learn to "think like artists." It develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills.  It essentially gives students the liberty of "choice" in their creations. I introduced the Manatee and Sea Lion class to a TAB-style open studio. Students learned about photo transfer techniques while investigating the work of Daisy Patton, Dan Parry-Jones, Victoria Villasana, and Hollie Chastain. Students chose a self-portrait reference, were led through the transfer process using matte medium, and were invited to creatively alter their image using whatever mediums and materials they wanted. This unit was highly creative, play-based, and experimental. Overall, it was a highly engaging unit for students. Photos of our work will be posted soon. For more information about TAB philosophy, visit https://teachingforartisticbehavior.org/