Editing photos with easy... using ipiccy.com

I've discovered a website recently that's fantastic for photo editing. It's simple and straight forward, student-user friendly and best of all it's free and doesn't require yet another user name and password!

It's called ipiccy.com

You begin by uploading your photo. Just click and begin experimenting. Think Photoshop...  but simplified. Anything you might want to do in Photoshop, you can do with ipiccy.com. There are the standard editing tools from cropping, blurring, changing the colour balance etc. to the fancy - turning your picture into a cartoon image or wanted poster. The possibilities are endless.

I use ipiccy.com with my class all the time. This site is definitely worth exploring (and using)!

Self Portrait Foil Art

I don't think I'm alone when I say - I LOVE PINTEREST! This is where I got my most recent art idea. A big shout out to Make It... A Wonderful Life for this foil art idea - it worked fabulously!

There were a few steps involved, which couldn't be done in the one lesson. First students transferred their photo image to a thick piece of card. Then I outlined the transfer with PVA glue and left to dry overnight. Students then glued foil (with a regular glue stick) onto the card. Using a blunt pencil, students finished with patterns in the background.

It was a lot of fun and the students were very proud of their finished 'abstract' artworks. We have displayed them in our entry classroom windows.

Have Students 'Tweet' a Daily Reflection!

I've tried journaling in the past to have kids reflect on their days learning. However, students don't seem to be too enthusiastic about it.

This year I've given each student their own personalised iPad and set of already cut up posts (which are also personalised). At the end of the day during reflection time, each student will post a 'tweet' on their iPad. The students love it!

It took a bit of time at the beginning of the year to set up (photos, formatting, printing, laminating, cutting etc.). But now that it's all been done, it's extremely simple and easy.

Making the Reading Corner Cosy and Comfy!

I'm loving my new reading corner! My parents were throwing away their old couches, so I stacked the cushions to create a comfy reading space for the kids. 

Maybe a little too comfy!