My kids have grown up! They are off to college or the trades. I am now a certified teacher in Art and Special Education for P-12 and Language Arts for 5-12. I've coached a high school speech and debate team for the past 4 years and taught middle school language arts and high school art while also serving as a special education teacher of record.
So, my blog content is also growing up. At least some of it. I am starting a new teaching gig as an elementary art teacher this fall! I will definitely share more homeschool art lessons in the coming months. I just wanted to pop in for my long-time readers and blogging friends to say, I've been busy, but I haven't forgotten about you! Here's to raising our children together, enjoy this high school homeschool lesson in Communications in the Media.
And if you don't homeschool, this is a great lead in to a classroom discussion on bias in the media; assuming you are allowed to teach about that and share some of the topics discussed here.
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In high schools, we now have Communications teachers. This used to be called the Speech teacher. The curriculum may include giving speeches in various styles (impromptu, dramatic, how to, extemporaneous) and learning about media communications in classroom lessons. These classes are often offered for dual college credit. While taking a course to teach dual credit classes, I had to step outside of my comfort zone and review mediathrough different lenses. Meaning, not as myself, an aging white woman or not even as the standby demographic of any straight male. We learned that most media, whether commercials, songs, television, movies, or even books, is written and directed toward the "heterosexual male gaze." This isn't always intentional either. In general, we have learned that this is the way to do things.
Explicit Content Warning: Many won't find the following articles or video content explicit, but some may find the topics of viewing through a queer theory lens or focusing on the anti-feminism sexism in media inappropriate for their teenage homeschoolers. If that's you, just move on to the next website or click around in my elementary homeschool content.
There's a slide depicting a condom in the video media critique. In another (not posted here,) there is discussion of the female and male anatomy as other items, such as the trunk of a car or a high heel shoe, and how they may serve as stand-ins for genitalia.The following content is made up of projects that I completed for a graduate course in Communications. They are not necessarily my personal views.
Remember, the assignments were designed to get us thinking about how different viewers have a differing perspectives and why two people could view the same content and have different take-aways. Anyway, I thought this might be a good way to start a conversation with your high school homeschoolers on media biases.
After consuming my content, think about your favorite commercials, shows, books, or songs and study them for gender biases, for flimsy characters whose only purpose is to show that the media is trying to be inclusive, or for messages that are hidden from your view because of the lenses you wear. How do you identify? How does this affect your perspective?
Some lenses you might wear when viewing are: cultural, queer, feminist (gender,) socieo-economic (marxist,) historical, psychoanalytic (freudian and others,) aestheticism, personal mirror, the list goes on. Once you start consuming media this way, it is difficult to just sit back and watch for enjoyment. You will become a more educated viewer. You will wonder how you never realized that so many things were taken from the straight male point of view. You may even have a better understanding of yourself and why you think a certain way even though you may not feel that way.
Up first, my media critique through a feminist lens, the final project for the Communication course as a slideshow with voice-over. This was created in Canva which is a great tool for digital art of all kinds. You can create video and slideshows with the paid version. It even allows you to use AI to create video and images. As a past obsessed Michael Jackson fan, do I believe what I am saying? You decide.
For your viewing pleasure, here's the original Billie Jean video by Michael Jackson. View for yourself. What do you see? The queer theory media review is below.
Prior to creating the video of Billie Jean through a feminist lens, we had to view a media text through a queer theory lens. Topics were given and I chose Carly Rae Jepsen. Then, we were told to choose a beloved media and do the same. For me, there is no more beloved media than anything by Michael Jackson. They call it queering when you view a media through a queer theory lens. As I reviewed Billie Jean with a queer lens, I began thinking how misogynistic it was and that is what led to the slideshow above.
Here is my class discussion text for media communications lesson through a queer theory lens:
“Carly Rae Jepsen’s Queer Renaissance” argues that Jepsen's music resonates with queer audiences because it celebrates desire without action. Queer audiences experience this throughout their lives - the longing for another often without being able to tell anyone or take action. This queer experience is often underrepresented in mainstream culture.
In the article, Michael Waters analyzes Jepsen's songs like "Call Me Maybe," "Boy Problems," and "I Really Really Like You," He says the music allows for diverse interpretations of desire, making her a queer "cult hero.” He says. “Jepsen’s music provides a sense of wholeness for a community often pressured to be out."
I was intrigued by the idea of Jepsen’s "invisibility" being a strength for a marginalized audience. It can relate to anyone who has felt unseen or shy about striking up a conversation in hopes of a new relationship, but that message connects with a queer audience because they often keep that part hidden.
Waters interrogates normativity in the narrative of pop music. Pop music is often romantically heterosexual, but feelings don’t always lead to action. He reinterprets Jepsen’s lyrics highlighting subtexts to uncover queer meanings that may not be intentional. Jepsen's music focuses on vague "feelings" rather than typical romantic outcomes and the queer community relates as they don’t always feel comfortable expressing their true feelings in public. The “other” may not be receptive to their feelings.
A Marxist theoretical lens would interpret Carly Rae Jepsen's music very differently from a queer theoretical lens. This lens would see pop music as a capitalist entity. The songs are created to generate profit. Therefore, the songs are designed to reach a wider audience to maximize sales. Jepsen or her label would be at the top with her staff, roadies, etc. being the workers.
Of all media texts, I am most familiar with Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" music video. How does it fare under a queer theory analysis? If we disrupt binaries, the primary theme of "Billie Jean" revolves around Michael, a man, being pursued by a woman who claims he is the father of her child. A queer analysis might question this heterosexual framework. Remember, the lyrics say, “Billie Jean is not my lover, she’s just a girl who thinks that I am the one.” But, is Billie Jean really the antagonist, or is she a symbol for something else? What if the "baby" is also a symbol representing a hidden secret that Michael is trying to escape? “But the kid is not my son.” Is he trying to tell us that the kid couldn’t be his son because of his sexuality?
Michael is trying to run away. Is he showing that he is vulnerable and doesn’t want to let anyone see his true self. A queer lens could see this as a metaphor for being "in the closet." Based on interrogative normative, Jackson's persona is unique. He's not really masculine, in fact, he is somewhat non-binary by today’s standards. Perhaps, he is trying to run from the pressure to be more masculine. On the surface, the song's lyrics hint at a paternity scandal. A queer lens could see the baby as a stand-in for something else that society sees as unacceptable. The detective who follows Michael cannot catch him. The "truth" eludes those with a fixed normative understanding.
If you find this post interesting, I'll be posting more articles viewing Gilmore Girls and Ginny & Georgia through different lenses and sharing a little bit more about Media Communications as a high school homeschool lesson. If you want to practice public speaking, check back often for some descriptions and examples of different types of basic speech lessons including Persuasive, Argumentative, and Socratic seminars.
Henri Matisse was best known as an abstract artist. He aligned himself with a small group of artists known as Fauvists or Wild Beasts. Unlike other painters during this era, he painted with bold colors and took risks with his art. Matisse called his cut paper art posters, painting and drawing with scissors So, how do you paint like Henri Matisse? With paper cut-outs, of course.
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The Cut Outs or Painting with Paper are part of the Matisse Jazz Series. Matisse created a few artists’ books, many were made in 1941 after he suffered with intestinal cancer. With this technique, he was able to stay in bed and still create art.
Henri Matisse Paper Cut Outs Video for Students.
The painting of the figure with stars around it is one of the most well-known in his Jazz series. The book is made up of circus and theater theme posters made with cut and pasted brightly colored papers that are printed using a stencil technique known as pochoir. Most of the images in the Jazz series are done in primary colors.
You may have seen a similar cut paper technique in a series of children's books painted and illustrated by Eric Carle. Carle was influenced by the works of Matisse and other abstract artists. Here's an art lesson on Eric Carle. You can also experiment with Eric Carle's technique of wet paper illustration with this lesson, how to paint like Eric Carle.
With his cut paper art, Matisse invented a new form of art, the cut-out. He called this new art form drawing with scissors. He cut out various geometric and organic shapes and arranged them on his gouache painted canvas to illustrate his books. He also hand wrote about each image in cursive rather than using a type setting. This style is similar to today's scrap booking. You can create your own book that has meaning to your life with this simple, inspired by Matisse, technique.
Paint Like Matisse
Supplies Needed:
Mixed Media Paper,18 x 24"
Tempera or Acrylic Paint in primary colors
Wide Paint Brush
Brightly Colored Copy Paper
Glue Stick
Subject Matter that is Meaningful
We decided to take inspiration from the Jazz poster's cover painting. Using the same primary color scheme, we added secondary colors in orange and violet. There are not lines or any drawing on the art work; everything is done in paper cut outs. Remember, it is abstract art! Use shapes and meaningful colors to represent your subject matter. Our paper painting represents a family pet. Our Cockatiel, Nebu, died at the age of twenty-three. Squinting your eyes while looking at a cockatiel will allow you to see his basic features, yellow spiked crest and orange cheek. The heart represents how close he was to our hearts, and the violet squiggles represent his wings in motion. They can also represent a flutter or the beating of his heart.
While you're planning your design think about the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. How many can you use? Ours has color, line, shape, space, balance, movement, contrast, emphasis, and harmony. Do you see more? In the comments below, tell us what you see.
MATISSE ABSTRACT ART LESSON PLAN
Painting with Scissors and Paper Cut Outs: How to Paint Like Henri Matisse
Step one: Come up with a subject matter that means something to you.
Step two: Sketch it out in your sketch book.
Step three: Think about it in an abstract way.
Step four: Do a thumbnail sketch changing your drawing into basic shapes.
Step five: Paint your paper background in a primary color or black.
Step six: Cut out your shapes.
Step seven: Arrange your shapes on the paper. Think about the Principles of Design, especially balance and unity. Shapes should be abstract, and it shouldn't be immediately obvious what the picture represents (not realistic.) See our student examples below. No drawing! Remember, you are painting with paper.
Step eight: Paste them into position. Tip: Do not use school glue, it bubbles up. Glue sticks work best.
Step nine: That's it! It's that simple to paint like Henri Matisse!
These are student examples from the NCHS Intro to 2D Art class. You may not use these images or reproduce them anywhere else. They are for educational purposes only.
If you want to try this project with preschoolers or elementary students, you may also like to add some books to your Matisse art lesson plans. The books below make excellent companion books for a lesson on Henri Matisse's painting with scissors abstract poster series. Don't forget to read your students some Eric Carle books and remind them that he was influenced by Matisse.
Winter is here! Oh, and Christmas is also just around the corner! Not only do kids love this time of year, but so adults do too! Even the most mature people in society can’t help but get a little giddy when it’s snowing outside and the bells are ringing! Christmas brings out everyone’s inner child. Of course, winter means it’s time for fun, family, holiday activities and lots of them! Read on for 7 simple winter and Christmas activities to do with your kids.
Seven Simple Activities to do with Kids during Winter Season
There's no need to spend a lot of money or stress over making glorious holiday decorations and delectable cookies to achieve the perfect Christmas with kids. Simple winter and holiday activities make the best, long lasting memories. Why not start a new family Christmas tradition with these simple activities for family time with the kids.
Decorate your whole house with fancy lights
Winter isn’t the holiday season without fancy lights.
From the colorful to the vibrant, get creative and beautiful LED fairy lights to your favorite rooms. Make sure to get the kids involved by allowing them to have input on which lights go in which location. LED lights don't get hot like those old fashioned Christmas lights so go crazy this year!
To get some amazing Christmas lights, as well as other cool bulbs and lamps, go to powerpointelectrics.co.uk. Be a clever mom or dad by ordering your lights now before it’s too late! The more lights, the merrier the holiday season. Your kids will treasure this family tradition, so go make it a thing!
Spend a day at your local slopes
Fingers crossed; it’s going to snow this winter! When it does, the entire family should wrap up nice and warm and head down to your local slopes. They’ll probably be lots of other families and kids there, too, which will make the occasion extra memorable. In Indiana, you can also do some stellar snow toboggan sledding at Pokagon State Park.
Kids love to get creative during winter and Christmas time. A great winter holiday activity idea is to create snowflakes out of paper. Follow this easy tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes from Martha Stewart. Make sure to carefully guide your kids through the steps, and don’t forget to be extra careful with sharp scissors! Once you’ve created your paper snowflakes, scatter them around your home for a special winter holiday decoration.
Here are some more fun snowflake activities from the Adventures of Kids Creative Chaos.
Read Christmas stories
It's impossible to count the abundance of classic Christmas stories. So, this winter, give your kids freedom of choice when it comes to which stories they want to hear. Maybe it will be The Polar Express, or – wait for it - How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Click here for some great holiday books for kids that you may not of yet read!
Usually, the weather is freezing cold during the winter months in Indiana. Of course, this means that a lot of time is spent indoors (preferably with marshmallow.)
When your family is relaxing around the house during the holiday, load up Netflix and go on a movie-watching marathon! Elf, anyone? If you need extra help, here are 37 of the best Christmas movies for kids available on Netflix.
Bonfires don't have to be just for fall! If you have a nice spacious backyard, you should have a cozy (and safe) fire. You’ll even be able to toast some marshmallows, have some hot chocolate, and tell your best Christmas stories. While you're at it, make some savory s'mores!
When it snows, it’s only right that the entire family has a huge snowball fight! When you do, make sure to build some igloos and forts to make it extra exciting. You can even make indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight!
Fun In The Sun - 6 Tips For Creating A Mud Kitchen For Your Kids
Kids love mud! And as dirty as they may get, it’s time to advocate messy play so they can learn new skills the fun way. The fastest and easiest way to encourage your kids to get outdoors is to build them a mud kitchen.They'll be tripping over each other to get outside
Building your own mud kitchen is a creative, cost-effective way of enabling messy play for your kids while saving money on an expensive play kitchen.
You can build your mud kitchen in your own way, and in the end, your kids will have the perfect environment in which to get their hands dirty anytime.
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Photo: Jelleke Vanooteghem/Unsplash
Six tips to create your own mud kitchen
Use What You’ve Got
Poke around your garage and see what you can recycle to save money on your mud kitchen. You can use wood, recycled pallets, and old timber for the construction. Old cookware and bakeware, utensils, and decorations can also be used to finish out the kitchen,
Remember, the idea is to ignite your child’s imagination, so your DIY mud kitchen doesn’t need to resemble a brand-new toy kitchen set.
Stove Tops Add to The Fun
While it’s great to leave some things up to the imagination, it’s a good idea to make your play kitchen resemble a real kitchen by creating a stove top. You can paint the burners on a piece of timber or wood, and you can even add broken or thrifted appliances to your outdoor kitchen to enhance its appearance. You can also use good, old cardboard to create a play stove.
Bake Mud Cakes
The fun part of having a mud kitchen is that your kids get to play with mud and get as dirty as they want. All you need to make mud cakes is some sand or soil and water. You can use old cookware and bake ware to contain them and shape them like cakes and cupcakes.
Parents can get involved by showing kids how to create funky-shaped cookies with cookie cutters and molds or add colored pasta to the mud for added texture. This kind of sensory play is an important part of childhood development, but above all, it’s a whole lot of fun.
A mud kitchen is a fun way to teach your child table manners. Guide your preschoolers through setting a table and laying out the dishes. Show them the way to arrange cutlery and allow your children to bring some garden leaves to create napkins for a rustic table setting.
Add a Sink
Since you’ve introduced messy play to your preschoolers with colored pasta and mud cakes, it’s a good idea to take care of the cleanup. The most logical way to do this is to add a sink to your mud kitchen! To create your sink, use a silver or grey bucket and fill it with water or a big flower put with the bottom plugged works nicely too.
Add a hose in the bucket so that there’s an accessible faucet. This is a great way to teach children how to clean up after themselves. Add some dish washing liquid and a sponge so you can wash all the cookware the kids used before bringing it back into the house!
Every chef needs a chef’s hat and apron, so make sure to get these for your child. They will love it! Plus, the apron will offer some protection from mud splatter while playing. Rubber boots are a good idea too. Preschool age kids and toddlers love to wear galoshes!
Have fun with your kiddos and their mud kitchen. You may want to wear some rubber boots yourself! Encourage your children to enjoy free and imaginative play, and you can bet they’ll learn tons of kitchen tricks in the process. Pretend play is the best way to learn!
Different Ways to Inspire Creativity in Your Child
As a parent, it's often challenging to see your child struggling, especially with their creative endeavors. It's essential to inspire children to explore their passions and interests. For young girls, especially, it can be difficult not to get pulled along by peers and lose sight of personal interests and passions. One way to help all kids find their voice and unique passion is to inspire their creative flow with lots of creative activities. Encourage your boys and girls to try something outside of their comfort zone!
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School plays are a creative outlet that builds self-confidence and life long friendships.
If you follow along on this blog, you know that kids being creative is our lifeblood. Kids Creative Chaos is not only our name, but our mantra. Creativity is often a chaotic event, but it needs to take place! Never choose a clean house over letting a child explore their creativity. Squelching creativity can have unwanted outcomes. Empower your kids to be themselves, explore their creativity, and improve their self-esteem in the process! And never, never, fall into the old stereotypes of labeling activities for boys or for girls. Without even knowing it, you can be killing a child's self-worth and dreams. As we always say, let them try, try try!
Inspiring creativity is a challenging tasks for most parents. Kids often choose not to do something simply because their parents have suggested it. Other times, they may feel insecure about trying something new. Try to encourage different creative pursuits as an outlet for self-esteem, fellowship, and mental health. Here are a few simple ways on how to cultivate your child’s creativity.
Mayhem in a school band production.
Introduce kids to different types of crafts
Introducing your child to different ways to be creative allows their mind to develop away from the rigid confines of the creativity taught in many schools. It shows children the art of critical thinking and developing passions beyond the ordinary. Ask your child what interests them, but also give them options and ideas to inspire their creative and critical thinking.
You can also show your kids different forms of creative expression with painting and other arts and crafts. Allow them to play and explore. The earlier kids start experimenting with creativity, the better chance it will have an affect on their emotional stability and self-esteem. So, be sure to take your kids to museums, the theater, and to music concerts to inspire their senses and allow them to engage in all sorts of artistic pursuits. If you want to learn more about that, here's an article from Berkeley on why the arts matter.
On a side note, always remember to read with your children and encourage critical discussion on the book and its themes. A child with a curious mind will find it easier to access their personal creativity.
Giving a child and exciting gift that isn't clothes or a video game, might inspire them to think creatively or get actively moving and making art. If you're struggling for ideas for your daughter, there are many gifts for girls to choose from that don't need to sit within the confines of gendered stereotypes. For example, you could buy her a zine-making kit. Firstly, making things helps kids to be more creative, but secondly, creating their own magazine can encourage kids to use their voice for good. Zines are a great way for children of all ages and genders to write and be creative. Click here for gift ideas that are targeting boys but can work for either gender. My daughter always hated to be excluded from toy cars, trains, and Transformers and my son loves to use hot pink as an accent color for sunglasses, hats, or other accessories. He gets a kick out of people giving him a hard time. Self-confidence at work!
Finally, one of the most important ways to inspire creativity within your child is to allow them to explore on their own. For a child, exploring comes in many shapes and forms, from creative play to fashion. If you want your child to develop a unique identity and a sense of themselves, they have to learn what they like and don't like.
Kids have to try out activities and get things wrong. Making mistakes is an excellent way for a child to learn, and this can also be applied to their creative endeavors. So, give your kids some paint or a dress-up box and encourage them to explore. Then, stay engaged in their exploration and find out more about what they are doing and why, but never force it- being an over zealous parent can backfire. Play it cool, and watch your kids have fun with the skills you helped to create.
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