Looking For Inspiration - "Art Forms of Nature" by Ernst Haeckel

Barbara has been fascinated with patterns and symmetry for a long time.

Patterns and symmetry in Basia’s art. 

While looking for an inspiration to catch my daughter’s interest to be able to work with her on vocabulary, grammar and tripod grip I reached for Ernst Haeckel "Art Forms of Nature", suggested by an artist Rachel Goldsmith, Basia’s former art instructor. 

Ernst Haeckel "Art Forms of Nature"

It appeared to be a perfect match and very powerful source. Barbara has been fascinated with the patterns and symmetry for a long time but precision and colors of Ernst Haeckel’s art unlocked the door to her creative imagination once again. 

 Ernst Haeckel’s art stroke Basia’s imagination, November 2014

Check the links:

"Art Forms of Nature" Ernst Haeckel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunstformen_der_Natur

Ernst Haeckel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Haeckel  

Rachel Goldsmith, A New York Artist www.rachelgoldsmith.com

http://slpzone.blogspot.com/2014/11/looking-for-inspiration.html

http://slpzone.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-improve-handwriting.html

Looking For Inspiration -"Little Green" by Keith Baker

Hummingbird by Basia, November 2014

I was looking for an inspiration to catch my daughter’s interest to be able to work on her grammar skills, diction and hand control for a proper tripod grasp.

Finding just the right book to target all above can often be a test. Since my daughter is truly keen on art projects I presumed that “Little Green” by Keith Baker would be the perfect choice. http://www.keithbakerbooks.com/

The book holds beautiful illustrations of a hummingbird flying through a sunny garden, leaving a path for sharp eyes to follow in zig-zags, loop-de-loops, and various patterns. It also has simple vocabulary and rhymes, a perfect choice to work on enunciation.

Hummingbird by Basia, November 2014

Starting a project with reading a book was very helpful in establishing focus. Then we discussed vocabulary along with rhymes and shared our observations or feelings. We revised the meaning of horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines. We also had an opportunity to work on grammar, diction or hand-eye coordination and control.

“Little Green” by Keith Baker

For diction exercises Basia was asked to read the text loud and clearly with the best accent, inflection, intonation, and speech-sound quality to make the text sounds attractive to the listener.

For the last part we used triangular grip watercolor crayons which gave us a chance to practice tripod finger grip control, concentrate on finger pressure and extend wrist flexibility. 

Then we moved to brushes to reach a gentle stroke and accuracy.

Hummingbird by Basia, November 2014

For more information about a proper grip check: 

http://slpzone.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-improve-handwriting.html

Hummingbird by Basia, November 2014

Diction Exercises for Children

http://www.ourstorypublications.com/Diction-Exercises.html#.VFe-IDTF_1g

Teaching Kids to Sing

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDBC881803018D089

Smart Talk by Lisa Marshall

http://www.lisabmarshall.com/smarttalk/

http://segritta.pl/cwiczenia-dykcji/ PL

http://lubimyczytac.pl/autor/9503/bogumila-toczyska PL

What’s "Halloween" Mom? Learn More To Give An Answer.

Halloween, a contraction for All-Hallows-Eve, falls always on 31^st of October and traditionally is tied to the days that follow All Hallows Eve - November 1st, All Saints Day, and November 2nd, All Souls Day. They are connected by both ancient and religious traditions.

November 1st, All Saints Day

"What American Saint are you?" fun quiz

http://www.loyolapress.com/which-american-saint-are-you.htm?utm_source=CFFList&utm_medium=email&utm_content=201410&utm_campaign=catholic-faith-formation

November 2nd, All Souls Day

One of them was Samhain holiday. The ancient Celtics used the day to mark the end of the harvest season when the earth was at its most barren, before the snow falls and winter begins. The Celtics also believed that this transition between the seasons was a bridge to the world of the dead. This tradition was based on the belief that the souls of those that has passed on were migrating and out and about in the world.

Harvest Season, 2014

To keep those souls away, many would light bonfires.

There are also less scary traditions. In England, children still recite a jingle as they go door-to-door.

The sky is blue
The grass is green

Have you got a penny for Halloween?

If you haven't got a penny,

A ha'penny will do.

If you haven't got a ha'penny,

Then God bless you.

Halloween leads us to Nov. 1, All Saints Day, when many Christian churches celebrate the very best among us. Since there are so many Catholic Saints, it was necessary to create one day to honor all of them. The Feast of All Saints can be traced back to Pope Gregory III, who lived in the 8th century. Today, there are thousands of saints or those who will be.

Modern Halloween has become less about literal ghosts and ghouls and more about trick-or-treating, pumpkins, costumes and candy. Over the millennia the holiday transitioned from a somber pagan ritual to a day of merriment, costumes, parades and sweet treats for children and adults.

Read more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

Watch http://www.history.com/topics/halloween