Cure Chronic Same-question-itis!

http://exhibits.hsl.virginia.edu/nerves/

by Elizabeth Van Allen 
scribblesbyartteachervanallen.blogspot.com

Are you tired of hearing the same questions from students that you've heard a hundred times before?  Do you have to resist a frequent urge to scream "How didn't you hear me the first 3 times!?"  Do you wake yourself up at night uttering phrases you never thought you'd say outside of the classroom?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have Samequestionitis.

Samequestionitis is a common ailment among teachers.  Side effects include general irritation, the urge to walk away from raised hands, and pulling out your own hair in response to persistently feeling as if you're talking to a wall.  If left untreated, this ailment could lead to consistently bad days, louder-than-is-socially-acceptable vocal volume levels and increased blood pressure due to chronic frustration.  

http://bestteacherblog.com/funny-teacher-memes/

Elementary Samequestionitis Cure

There is a cure!  Clear visual examples and easy to read directions in a dedicated area of your classroom will clear up most side effects within a short period of time (results may vary).  Avoid developing tennis elbow due to repeated pointing motions towards your new board by using phrases like "take a look at the direction board" or "Where could you find the answer to that question on your own?"  In rooms that cater to several different grades or age groups, try breaking up a bulletin board into several sections with wide ribbons or bright sentence strips.  If students still don't get the hint, try posting giant neon arrows with phrases like 'look here' and 'your questions answered here'.  If all else fails, make a hand held sign that says 'read the directions'.

Middle School Samequestionitis Cure / Project Board

 What solutions have you found for the common ailments native to your workplace?

Uncommonly Common Sense

by Elizabeth Van Allen

for scribblesbyartteachervanallen.blogspot.com/

I've found in the past few years that common sense isn't nearly as common as one might think.  A while ago I found a graphic posted online that seemed to embody the concept of common sense when applied to life as a whole.  I know- common sense online...  who would have thought? This post stuck in my mind so tenaciously that I drew a flow chart to illustrate.  Please feel free to use this chart liberally, there's always room for improvement!

Disclaimer: I don't remember where I found the original image, it was probably on imgur.  If you do see the original, please send me the link so I can reference it here!

Traversing The Summertime Creative Desert

by Elizabeth Van Allen

for scribblesbyartteachervanallen.blogspot.com/

Make art for myself on my own time?  You'd think that pursuing creative endeavors when I'm not teaching would be a no-brainer.  Unfortunately, sometimes it's just as difficult for an art teacher to get motivated as it is for an art student!  This summer I've found myself in a bit of a personal creative desert.  As I was organizing my photos from this past school year, I came across this gentle reminder that I like to display on my classroom wall.

It is time for me to take my own advice.  As I often tell others, I need to find my inspiration in the everyday.  I hear you loud and clear Paul Robeson, it's time to get creative again!

How do you break through creative blocks and deserts to get working on your own art again?  

Share your tips and tricks by sending them to artteachervanallen@gmail.com

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Created by The Ink Society in Portland, Oregon

available for sale through etsy at 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69091611/august-sale-the-earth-without-art-is