I took this photo at our school today. Our students created life-size self-portaits. What I LOVED about this project was the wonderful twists and self-reflection. First, the students were not linear in their thinking and rather than lie flat and trace their bodies, they chose action poses. Next, they drew pictures within their body outline of things that they connected with. Some drew soccer balls, others showed math problems. It was an AMAZING assignment.
Today, 118 days ’til 40, I took a moment to pause and appreciate the creativity of our students and teachers. What a gift!
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
The Quiet Borderline (back in hospital)
October 26, 2012 at 07:43
Wonderful. Your job sounds very rewarding. Keep up the good work!!
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:17
Thank you!
Long Life Cats and Dogs
October 26, 2012 at 09:26
That’s a fantastic project and trust kids to put a spin on things! 🙂
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:18
Yes, I love our art teacher, she does such a wonderful job with our students!!!
Another Thousand Words
October 26, 2012 at 14:57
Now, that looks as if it was a fun time for the ‘artists’…so much wonderful imagination there, 400!
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:19
I think so too – it is sad that we start off in life so happy to be creative and then seem to lose our urge as we become adults… perhaps because too much self-criticism sneaks in…
Another Thousand Words
October 27, 2012 at 03:22
I guess, even at 66, I’m not an ‘adult’ yet, as I continue to create things from my imaginings…these past days, I’ve been making wired paper leaves to fashion into a breadbasket…stay tuned!
Mark Sohmer
October 26, 2012 at 15:29
Very creative! 🙂
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:19
Thanks, Mark! Our art teacher gets all the credit here!
fransiweinstein
October 26, 2012 at 15:32
Good for you for helping them ‘find’ their creativity.
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:20
Our art teacher is amazing!
buckwheatsrisk
October 26, 2012 at 18:09
that looks like such fun! the kids must have been proud!
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:20
I think they were!
Viveka
October 26, 2012 at 21:39
Wonderful project with a wonderful result. Wish we did things like that when I was in school, so glad that the school has become more fun through the years. But I also understand that school is more demanding today too.
400daystil40
October 26, 2012 at 23:22
We really work hard to find balance with our students and allow them to be able to fully express their creativity in our school setting.
appletonavenue
October 26, 2012 at 23:47
Keep up the good work teaching. In many ways I envy you; I wanted to be a teacher for many years. Now it’s beyond me, and you’re living my might’ve been life. I like that, and I love the projects your students made. What grade do you teach?
400daystil40
October 27, 2012 at 22:24
Thank you so much for the compliment! I am not teaching at the moment….. I am the head of our school.
walkwiththerabbi
October 27, 2012 at 00:57
My goodness – I’d be challenged with the prospect of drawing a “stick person.” These kids rock! Make it a great weekend my dear friend. Hugs from here!
400daystil40
October 27, 2012 at 22:25
Hey there! I hope you have a good weekend too! Yes, I am also a bit challenged in these areas…. thankfully, I can let the artist in me come out in other ways (like knitting and quilting and blogging!!!)
sakuraandme
October 29, 2012 at 11:59
To be young and carefree again! x
400daystil40
October 29, 2012 at 18:14
Ah, yes!
Lela Bonchjela
October 31, 2012 at 03:38
This is amazing! I did a similar work, but on a smaller scale – head. For the cover of their sketchbooks. The project is called Personality Profiles.
1. Profile view of their head
2. Profile in the sense that they’re supposed to decorate it with the things they like, sothat it portrays their character and interests!
400daystil40
October 31, 2012 at 22:17
Wow, what you did sounds so great too!!!
Spider42
October 31, 2012 at 13:58
That is maybe one of the most genuinely creative things I’ve seen. Nice work and kudos to the kids!
See, this is why I miss being able to think like a kid.
Ah well, I’ll have to enjoy what childishness remains within me…
400daystil40
October 31, 2012 at 22:11
Yes, I thought it was soo cool – I also miss some of the carefree realities of my childhood – I miss the self-confidence that I had back then… I thought I could do anything… 🙂
knitxpressions
November 1, 2012 at 10:51
They’re beautiful pieces of artwork =)
400daystil40
November 1, 2012 at 22:17
I think so too!