Teaching students who want to learn from you and are painting with you is invigorating. Today I started my arts and crafts club at school. A few months ago, when I was showing students how I wanted them to do a demonstration speech, I showed my students how to crochet. Several students were very interested in learning; those are the students who showed up to my arts and crafts class! 
This week we started out with watercolor painting. I taught them how my mom taught me: just start painting and figure it out. I gave them a few tips such as more water for lighter colors and less water for darker colors, but I just let them explore and do what they wanted. We had four unique and cheerful paintings done at the end of the hour! I was able to also paint some Easter pictures to decorate our classroom.
Sitting next to the students painting is a great way to connect with them. I have three 6th graders, one 7th grader, and one 8th grader. I am so happy to just to talk with them about what they enjoy, what kind of art they are interested it, and a little bit about their family. I left work today feeling happy and satisfied. Art brings people together.
-Mary Hope
Copyright 2017