Here's a post from last year. Thought I would repost it as it as just as meaningful! Because I am a gluttonous ding dong, I didn't even believe myself.
Tried regular lessons yesterday=FAIL
Did this today=awesomeness
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Gotta admit-I was on the fence with Zentangles. I mean, they are fancy doodles, right? But STARR is upon us and that means crazy schedule changes and fried kids. I decided to try it out.
I explained how we want the fried side of the brain to take a nap, and how to bring out the side in charge of creativity and imagination.
I did this with all my 3-5th graders.
This is what a fried 4th grade brain looks like after days of state testing.
What my room sounds like: quiet with Pandora Calm station. So peaceful.
No one talked talk for 45 minutes.
Great idea! Our 3-5 grades are about to have their brains fried by the NJ ASK in the coming weeks... I always have something low key, fun for them to do so they can just chill and create after all that testing! :)
ReplyDeleteit was kind of spooky how fast they chilled out. I usually do a free choice, center based day, but this was so much cooler!
DeleteI love it! Very telling that *they* loved it too.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and I am so happy to be part of a school district that is fighting high-stakes standardized testing. If our policy makers could see what they are doing to our kids...ugh...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the shout out for your blog and art program on the School Arts blog!!! :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, that was a nice surprise!
ReplyDelete