Friday Fun: I cried today.

A student in my class informed me he would no longer be at our school and wanted to take home his things. I went ahead and graded his work and as the bell rang and the room emptied into the hallway he stopped to tell me this:

"Ms. Alkire, before this class I knew I was artistic, but didn't know how to do it. Now after doing the sketchbook, quick draw challenge, and our large portrait I can feel my artist self coming out!" 

As I watched him race down the hall to his next class I cried. It was a good cry though.

When students tell me things like that, I am reminded of exactly why I became an art teacher. I have only a small amount of time with the students in class, but I will make the most of it.

"I do not want to die...until I have faithfully made the most of my talent and cultivated the seed that was placed in me until the last small twig has grown."

 -Kathy Kollwitz, German Sculptor

(1867-1945)

Now I will proceed to go home and watch every teacher inspirational movie I can get my hands on. Hello, Stand and Deliver, The Ron Clark Story, Take the Lead, Here Comes the Boom and Freedom Writers.

How has a student impacted you lately? Was it by what they did? What they said? How have you been reassured that you are right where you need to be? I want to hear stories!