Through the eyes of e.e. ...

Spring Semester 2007 Week One

In art we reviewed The Design Process (we will be talking about different elements and principles of design a good part of the semester). We reviewed the five design elements from last semester: line, shape/form, texture, value, color. Last semester we dealt with actual lines, without using the term. This week we have added the concepts of implied and mental/imaginary lines, as well as line created by an edge. We reviewed Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam in our discussion of these four types of lines. We also talked about the artist’s depiction of God as intimately involved in his creation. Next, we started talking about some principles of design, such as unity and balance. I introduced them to three types of balance: symmetrical, asymmetrical and radial. I hadn’t fathomed that it would be such a challenge. However, by the grace of God and the resources with which He has provided me, I think I was able to help them come through the fog today. I have defined symmetry as having identical units on each side. Sounds basic enough, but I complicated the concept by including an image which demonstrated rotational symmetry. Yesterday I assigned each unit in the image a numeric value (or weight) and placed the weight on a picture of a scale. Not only was the scale balanced, but it had the exact same units on each side (regardless of whether they were in the exact same order – due to rotational symmetry). This helped me explain how the asymmetrical images were still balanced. For example, one image had a large pink rectangle on the left and a small red square on the right. On the left side of the scale, I put a four and explained that the rectangle was so large it was visually heavy (attention getting) and therefore, worth four points or pounds. On the right side of the scale I put a one because the square was small or visually light, but I also put a three explaining that warm intense colors were attention getting. We could see that the scale was balanced without having the exact same units. I also demonstrated how the scale would tip if the elements were inappropriately changed. Wow! Aren’t these kids going to be so smart! Praise God!

In English reading, we have started the book Sign of the Beaver, which is, of course, at an elementary reading level, but some of these students I don’t believe have ever read an entire book. I want them to read the story, but also to learn to be analytical. I am having them write reading journals in which they make connections to self, connections to the real world, connections to other texts, and comments about the author’s writing. (Thanks, Mat.)

In world history, we have been working through the 2nd half of the chapter: The Middle East – Ancient & Modern. We have been reading the text and taking notes together in an outline format. After an overview of the Middle East today, the text has reviewed each country. Yesterday, I gave a Pop Quiz. All they had to do was list four countries in the Middle East. Aaaaah! Of a class of 18, only two could do it, and there’s a possibility of cheating. Many of them listed “Europe” and “Asia.” More than one listed “Jerusalem.” I’ve noted in this class as well as the art class that they don’t seem to categorize the way I would. I don’t know if this is a lack of vocabulary, studying or understanding, but I suspect that if I gave them a list of continents, countries, and cities, they would have a tough time listing them under appropriate headings, just as the art students had a difficult time understanding that “The Arts” was a broader category than “Visual Arts.” Well, perhaps I have a worksheet idea for my Freshmen…Thanks!

Please, pray for love and delight in each and every one of these precious students of the Lord. Pray for joy, patience and gentleness in and out of class. Pray for self-discipline, perseverence, and a striving towards excellence for students and teachers alike. Pray for creative, fun teaching ideas that will help the students love to learn! Pray for all the students, especially the seniors to realize how their actions and decisions now will effect their future. Help them to set godly goals, and through the power of the Holy Spirit achieve these goals.