I spend a lot of time during class trying to find out how my planned lessons are turning out. I watch to see if the kids have listened to the goals and instructions; I wait and see if they know where to find things and where to put them away. I think about how to tweak a lesson to make it run more smoothly next time.
When I remember there is time for reflection after the art room is empty, I wind up catching the really good stuff. These are the things that I can easily miss if I worry too much about my own plans and the final product while the art process and social interaction is happening right in front of me. Here are a few that I was lucky to catch.
Helping a classmate button up…
Deciding the washcloths would look nicer folded…
Happily sharing thoughts with Janet…
Finally finding out what the table banging is all about…
Seeing impressive small motor skills…
Finding funny/not funny things left from other people…
… and a few things that have no explanation whatsoever.
