Richard Jensen visited Cedar City last week and conducted three workshops for teachers about teaching children to create comics. Nearly 50 teachers attended these workshops (some even drove in from other districts) and we all learned a lot.

Teachers were impressed with the packet of materials that Jenkins provided. His lessons were classroom ready and he suggested ways to change and adapt his projects to fit within any subject.  He has clearly spent a lot of time preparing his material for teachers. In his words, "I knew how to make comics, but I was less sure just how to teach them. So, I looked to the classroom teachers with whom I worked. I would often ask them; are these steps making sense to you? are there any parts of this process that you think need improvement? is this something that you think that you could replicate? Gradually, I was able to refine my comics lesson to a well tested formula with a high degree of success for the students and teachers."

Teachers commented that they loved having time to complete a project in the workshop and they would use his materials right away in the classroom. Jenkins enjoyed his time in Cedar City.  If you missed the workshop, or are interested in finding out more about Richard Jenkins, visit his website:  http://www.studiohijinx.com/

We have new information about the Dixon Leavitt drawing workshops. They each have a different theme. We recommend attending all three. Download the flyer for more information.

Sept 23: How to See
Sept 30: How to Know
Oct 7: How to Pull it All Together

We have some great professional development opportunities available to elementary teachers this year through artsFUSION at SUU.  These will all be workshops that you won't want to miss.

DRAWING WITH DIXON LEAVITT THREE WORKSHOPS
Sept 23, 30 and Oct 7, 2009
4:00 TO 6:00 P.M.
Cost: Free
SUU Emma Eccles Jones Education Building
For elementary teachers
Learn the very basic art skills to be able to draw the human figure, use perspective to create the illusion of space, and drawing from observation to improve your confidence in your artistic abilities. Dixon, a talented Cedar City artist, will lead quality lessons and teach with references to a "Whole New Mind" by Daniel Pink as to the value and virtue of learning to draw.

DANCE AND HISPANIC CULTURE WITH MONICA GOMEZ ROGERSON
October 26, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
SUU Emma Eccles Jones Education Building room 105
For elementary teachers
Monica Gomez Rogerson has been teaching Mexican Folkloric Dance for over ten years. She has studied and performed in the United States and Mexico and is currently Creative Director for the Gomez Mexican Folkloric Dancers of Salt Lake City. Schools find that this residency is a valuable tool for teaching Hispanic students pride in their cultural heritage. At the same time, it gives students of other backgrounds an opportunity to learn and appreciate another culture. Monica is very proud of her rich heritage, and in a positive way, promotes understanding and appreciation of her culture.

COMICS IN YOUR CLASSROOM WITH RICHARD JENKINS
January 11, Iron Springs Elementary
January 12, North Elementary
January 13, South Elementary
January 15, Fiddlers Elementary
9:30 - 3:30 pm
Cost: Free
For elementary teachers
Since earning his BFA from the University of Oklahoma, Richard Jenkins has pursued the realization of his childhood dream: to create comics. In 1996, he began his career as the illustrator and co-creator of the nationally published comic book series, "Sky Ape." Classroom teachers can learn strategies that integrate these art forms into their Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies curriculum. They learn new ways to encourage their students, unlock their higher-order thinking, and teach them the Core Curriculum. Drawing concepts include working with line, shapes, and patterns to show gesture and emotion. Explore individual creativity and develop visual literacy. Four one-day workshops at four schools. Lunch and drawing supplies are included.