Hello again,
School is going quickly and lots of assessments have been happening. I am wondering about several things as we look towards Common Core.

1. What is the world are we going to do to get materials that really ask those deep thinking questions and give time for students to ponder, work on, try out ideas and defend an answer? It seems to nme that thought is so counter to all the assessments we do now and certainly with the materials we have.  If you haven't tried a Common Core assessment on-line, give it a whirl, you will be amazed and dismayed at what will be expected.

2. TECHNOLOGY!!!!!!! It seems that in order for these to be accurate assessments, students must know how to work the technology accurately and efficiently or how will we know if was that the student didn't know the answer or just couldn't manipulate the mouse. Also, do you have enough current computers, with adequate memory, guts, bandwidth or whatever else might be needed???

Lastly, with the trend towards having all students in a regular education setting, I am super concerned about all students having adequate experience, time, help, etc. especially those who are struggling whether or not there is an IEP and/or behavior plan. Does anyone else feel this way???

No pictures today. Just ramblings. Thanks for listening. Betsy

Heart Baskets

February 10, 2014
 Ok, so it has been a long while!!!! School and life but I want to share my valentine baskets I make by weaving scrapbook paper. I use the baskets every year to put a few kisses in and give to the staff at school, my students in my exercise classes (seems counter productive but you got to live a little), etc. etc. They are so easy once you get the hang of it and you can do it while watching the hockey game your husband insists on :} Here are some pictures

The steps are as follows:
 1. I use 3" x 9" scrapbook paper. If you want a smaller heart use a smaller size but it is harder to weave. Vice versa if you want a bigger basket.  I pick lots of different colors that are lighter in nature. It is amazing how 2 colors you think won't look good together do, so be brave and experiment with paper. You want the paper to have some body but not too stiff or when you are weaving it makes it harder.

2. Pick two papers you want to weave together. Stack on top of each other. Fold in half. Round the tops off. I use a paper pattern to keep me somewhere even. Cut 3 equal lines from the fold to the rounded part staying about an inch away from the top. Be sure to hold the two pieces of paper tight so it won't shift too much.

3. Take the papers apart. Start the weaving at the fold. Take one valentine and slid it over the first cut, then slid it between the papers of the second  cut, then over the 3rd cut and through the last section. Slide that section up just a bit. You will have to bend each section to get it between the through papers.

 4. Take the second piece and reverse the weaving, slide the piece through the first set of papers, over the 2nd set of papers, through the 3rd set and over the last set. Again slide the section up.

5. Do the same for the third piece, this time start over the first set of papers through the 2nd set of papers, over the 3rd set and through the 4th set. You should start to be able to see the weave pattern. Slide that section up so you have room for the last section of weaving.

6. Take the last piece and start opposite. Slide over the first piece, through the second piece, over the third piece and through the last piece. Gently slide sections next to each other so the weave is tight. I often pull gently on the rounded part to help get the strips of paper next to each other. TA DA!

I have also fuse fabric together and done this with fabric hearts although it is not quite as stiff and can be a bit tricky to work with.

Zentangle Class February 2014

Wow! It has been a long time. I really need to develop the habit of blogging but...here is today's.  I just finished anther zentangle class with wonderful friends. Here are some pictures showing off teh amazing work everyone did. Thanks so much to Seth, Tamarah, Macy, and Kitty. What a great class!

I am watching the Food Network! WHAT?!?!?

My bit - Hi everyone! This summer has been so different for me. I just can't get started on anything so I sit and read or watch TV. I just discovered the Pioneer Woman on the Food Network and she has some of the yummiest looking recipes. Of course lots of butter and cream so....

My piece is go to The Food Network.com/Pioneer and look up baked fudge. It looks like a cross between brownies and a lava cake. I have already pinned it to my Things to Bake Board so you can check it our there!! Have fun! Betsy

About grandkids and the zentangle method

My bit - My twin grandchildren just turned one. We had the big party in the park which all the older kids loved and the babies were oblivious to. Cameron and MacKenzie smushed their cakes very well and everyone had fun. I was exhausted. Hauling all the stuff needed for a BBQ for 35 people is a lot. As I watched the twins walk and explore their world, I am in awe of the immense development that has already occurred.

My piece - I conducted my very first Zentangle® method class. With 4 supportive, great friends, we all explored the method and created wonderful works of art. Below is the mosiac of the tiles everyone created. If the Zentangle® method intrigues you, I would be happy to come do a class at your house or if you live far away, I highly encourage your to find a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT) and go to his/her class. You will love what you can create with just a dot, a straight line, a squiggly line, and shading. Happy Summer! Betsy

It is July already!!!!

My bit - Hi all! Happy July! I spent the long weekend with my son and family and celebrated my twin grandkids one year old birthday! WOW! How children grow and learn is so fascinating. A year ago, Cameron and MacKenzie were only 4 days old and now they are walking, have very distinct personalities, and are having such fun in the world. How lucky am I?!?!

My piece - As I am starting my new adventure as a Zentangle® method teacher, I hope to excite you all to seek out a certified teacher and learn this very amazing, valuable method of teaching not just drawing but an I can attitude to all kinds of students - old and young. Here is my first tangle I created at the workshop I attended this summer. Enjoy! Love, Betsy

We are in Providence, RI

My bit - Hi all! My husband and I are in Providence, RI for a zentangle workshop? I will be doing the tangling and Jeff is going to go photographing around the area. How lucky we are to have something to share and explore.


My piece - Check out my Pinterest exercise board for a morning yoga wake-up routine. I have only completed it a couple of times but it is great for centering. It should go well with zentangle. Have fun.