Rejuvenating!Having Conversations, Making Connections
Total Participation
Creating and Sharing
These are some of the responses that were told to me in the last 20 minutes of past Teacher Art Retreats. I don’t want you to miss out on this type of amazing experience!
I am always so energized by the time we have together at this wonderful summer, professional development event – a teacher retreat – where educators come together to have a hands-on, arts-based set of experiences for themselves and in turn for their students.
“When we have these opportunities ourselves, we are more apt to do these things with our students,” one participant said while others nodded in agreement.
We end each day with a reflection on the activities we completed and the process we went through, applying them to what we do each day in the classroom. It’s more than just talking about great ideas – it’s DOING them.
The backbone of the retreat is the “focus project.” That’s the workshop that we start with each day. This year, we are working with recycled art with Renee Schneider, a local artist and educator. The focus project is built for us to really dive into the creative process.
We also participate in three other workshops, one each afternoon. This year, we will work learn Pysanky techniques, integrating them with math concepts, work mindfulness into origami and explore music and movement as a means to increase language, stabilize moods, and curb behaviors.
Along the way, we will also have mini sessions that include poetry, visual art and there’s always some time for drumming. The retreat is jam packed with creative fun in a non-threatening atmosphere that meets individuals where they are at…that’s the beauty of the arts: it’s naturally differentiated – even for us teachers!
A light breakfast and lunch is provided each day and you can’t forget the door prizes awarded on Wednesday! Plus, if you so desire, you can choose to earn grad credit for the work you do at the retreat.
For more about the content of the retreat, visit the TAR16 page.
So, what else do participants have to say? Here are some quotes from their evaluations of the retreat:
“I love feeling refreshed and renewed with good ideas for the classroom – inspired!”
“A retreat is what I needed…”
“Thanks for an amazing three days of creativity and professional development that truly fed our souls.”
“Loved it, feel relaxed, stimulated, energized and centered – ALMOST ready to go back to school. ;-)”
“Best take away from the retreat? The people, interactions, sharing, laughter; the information and the chance to grow.”
“Fun was the theme. I feel like it energizes my teaching and inspires my own ideas… what I want to use in the classroom.”
“Best take away from the retreat? To allow yourself and your students the freedom to explore and be creative.”
I will always believe that the best way to inspire your students is to inspire yourself as well. That’s what this retreat has done for us!
Don’t miss out on an amazing time with colleagues to GET inspired so you can BE inspiring!
I hope to see you at the retreat!
~EMP
