I Guess I am an Art Teacher After All, and What in the World is the Beaumont Bivouac?

I Guess I am an Art Teacher After All

and 

The Beaumont Bivouac - the Place to Be on 12 March, 2016!

Hello Elementary Friends,

I hope you are enjoying March!  I know that my Texas teacher friends are having a great spring break this week, and next week it will be Colorado's turn.  Enjoy your well deserved break!

I Didn't Know I Would be Teaching Art!

As you know, I am back in the classroom after MANY years!  I knew that I would be teaching the basics - reading, writing, math, social studies, and science.  I did not know, however, that I would be teaching Art, Physical Education, and Kindergarten-Year Two Singing!  But, here I am teaching art!  My teammate, Jenny, takes my kids once a week for "sport."  I take hers for math - games and activities that go along with our math goals and objectives for the week.  She is a saint, and I have a new found appreciation for my Specials Teachers at Mortensen!  The elementary teachers here in NSW are expected to be able to teach any of the subjects offered at the school.  We do have what is called "RFF" (release from face to face).  This is time when a another teacher will come in and teach my students one of the subjects.  Right now, I have "RFF" once a week for science, and another time for music.  I also have a grammar lesson taught once a week by our librarian along with a regular library time which is also considered "RFF."  What is amazing to me is the quality of art, music, and PE instruction that is available to our students provided primarily by the classroom teachers!  These teachers can do it all!

Many of you who know me, know that I am crafty.  There is a big difference, however, in being crafty and in being artistic.  I can not draw at all.  Well, let's say, I can draw, but it looks like a kindergartner drew it!  I am really good at stick figures - I can even put clothes on a stick figure. When Helen sent me a photograph of her classroom last year, the first thing I noticed were the students' "self-portraits" hanging on the wall.  I thought, "Oh dear - will I have to teach 7 and 8 year old students how to draw a self-portrait?"  Well - the answer is yes, but not just yet in the year - thank goodness.  I can take some tutorials before that unit!  I have actually had some fun with the art, however, so, Deb Brown - you would be proud!  Here are some photos of my students' renderings of Colorado Mountain Bears!





I love how each of the pieces has it's own personality - like my students!



I am not supposed to have a favorite, but I do love this one!
So, I do know that there is a MASSIVE difference in teaching students how to draw a bear and how to draw their self-portraits.  The pressure is on.  In a subsequent blog, I will be required to reveal my students' self portraits - will they learn how to do it IN SPITE of their teacher?  Keep reading to find out!

A New Experience - the Bivouac!

Last weekend we had another new experience - the Beaumont Bivouac!  First of all, what is a bivouac?  Here is Webster's definition:

  1. 1a temporary encampment under little or no shelter
  2. 2a :  encampment usually for a nightb :  a temporary or casual shelter or lodging

The Beaumont Bivouac is an annual event which has become a tradition for the school over the past ten years since Malcolm McDonald has been the school principal.  It is held in March and consists of families setting up tents all around the grounds!  There are games and activities for the kids, food and drinks for sale at the Canteen, a band for dancing, a student talent show, and the highlight of the evening - a giant bonfire and the roasting of marshmallows!

My exchange partner, Helen, had previously told me about the Bivouac, and I was eager to see it for myself.  I was especially interested because I know, for a fact, that the risk management departments of both Lubbock ISD in Texas and Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado would have a conniption ( a Texas term for a giant tantrum) at the thought of such a thing on school grounds - especially the fire!  Here are some photos of the school grounds on the evening of the Bivouac!




Here is a short video of the evening's festivities!  Thanks to Mitch for standing guard over the fire with his water hose in case sparks started to catch some of the ground on fire!  He definitely smelled like smoke when we got home!  Click on this link:






Some of the teachers and staff who attended the Bivouac - dedicated folks, for sure!

Ready for a Weekend!


I don't know about you, but we are ready for a weekend!  Mitch is going fishing on Sunday, and I intend to get my nails done and get ready for Fall Parent Teacher Conferences next week!

Take care dear elementary friends!





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