While Sam has been away, I was able to be his sub again. It is sort of like we have been tag-teaming as a couple. When he isn't here I step in and help out. Sometimes it is very challenging, but other times it can be a lot of fun.
One of the lessons Sam left for me to do with the middle schooler's in Art was self portraits. Sam left his own self portrait as an example:
The kids thought it would be really hard to draw themselves, but once they got started I was amazed at what they were able to create! They each started with a real pictures of themselves, traced the major outlines, then filled in details with color.
Their pictures were beautiful! They were filled with so much personality and individuality. The expressions they drew on their faces perfectly captured their own unique likenesses. It was such a joy to watch the kids create something of their own - something with no right or wrong answer, just whatever they wanted it to be.
Reading, Writing and Math...all the stuff on standardized tests, does not come easily for most of these students. It seems that a majority of the school day is spent working on those things and it can leave them feeling pretty worthless. No matter how much encouragement is given, they know they struggle with the "core" curriculum - yes they have test scores that prove that. Showing the kids that they are capable and valuable may not be on any test they will ever take...but it is an investment that will change their lives.
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