Tag Archives: organization

Happy New Beginnings

Maybe it is because my birthday falls in the month of August that I perceive the annual cycle to end and begin in the summer; I finished each grade level as one age, and began the next as a year older. Or maybe it is because being an educator is written in my genetic code and that is just the way I was programmed. This time of year brings excitement and the promise of a brand new adventure.

Are you eager for the beginning of school? How do you feel when you anticipate the initiation of a new routine?

I am eating up any anxiety by focusing my energy on productivity. Literally. I am producing worksheets to help develop learning experiences. Because if they are interesting to look at, I will be more likely to use them, right?
Heather at The Bees Knees Cousin developed her own planner which inspired me to do the same. I have been playing around just in Word and am discovering how much I appreciate soft shapes and grey tones.

Here’s a look at what I have generated so far…

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and if you fancy the portrait layout,

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If you want to test them out, download a copy here: Visual Planner 2014

How do you spend these early days prepping for the new year?

Have a productive day,
xo MJ

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Filed under Inspiration, Teaching Art to Children

Consistency Pays Back

I organize my art studio with color. I mean Everything with a capital “E”. The markers, colored pencils, oil and chalk pastels, paper, paint. You name it.

Recently, a student came to me to ask if he could organize the paper scraps. “YES please!” He was finished with his art before the others and I was thrilled that he was interested in offering a helping hand over taking the time for free draw. But the best part of it all, is his strategy.

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Yes, it is organized by color! Without the slightest prompt, this is what he chose to do.

When have you witnessed your students sharing their knowledge without your prompting ?
Share those heart warming stories of pay back that we are so grateful for!

Are you interested in how I organize? Check out some ideas here.

Have a colorful day! -MJ

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Filed under Inspiration, Teaching Art to Children

Artful Spaces

My home away from home. Where I am free to design, create and share the joys of being an artist.


What does your home away from home look like?
How have you arranged it to be a space that you are excited to go to everyday?

Heather @ TheBeesKneesCousin has embarked on adventure to share creative art spaces, and guess what? You can catch an inside peek of my home away from home by clicking here. I am so thrilled to share it with you and hope you might be inspired to share your creative space. Visit thebeeskneescousin to celebrate another inspired art educators blog, view more artful spaces, and to find out more about how you can share your own.

Have a colorful day!
-MJ

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Filed under Inspiration