Favourite Pets!

My advance level students were working on Manga character drawing recently and we were discussing about the next project that they are going to work on and this time I asked them to paint their favourite pet with acrylic on canvas and required them to bring a picture of their pet!

11yo Joel Gn exclaimed, "Teacher Esther, you mean I can bring my dog here to the art class!!!"

I have no idea this kid came out with this question, I thought I just told him to bring a picture of their pet??? 10yo Chloe agreed with Joel and she wanted to bring her pet to the classroom as well!

I told them, "No trouble, just bring the picture of your pet will do good."

But both insisted to bring their pet for the next lesson... guess what, they said it and they did it! But instead of dogs, both brought the same animal, terrapins!

I really admired by their say and their action!

Their pets are really their FAVOURITE! They must not be missed!

Sweet memories for their painting theme! :)

5yo Momo said...

Momo's Mummy told me that Momo is like a superstar, her schedule is so packed with classes and activities. When she mentioned about her most favourite classes and activities she has been attending. Momo exclaimed, "Art class!"

Then her Mummy continued, "Art class, cycling and roller blading....hmm... how about violin???"

"NO! I want to focus on Teacher Esther!!!" Momo replied in no time.

We were both laughing at her exclamation.

I lost my sketch book! :(

It was an old muji sketch book that I used it to sketch on the spot to inspire my art students at the zoo! They love it so much that they were bugging me to teach them how to draw more! Very meaningful sketch book but it was gone :'(

After the zoo event, I was tired and hungry. I told myself I needed a soupy dinner, I called my husband, I will eat dinner before home. Went to the Kopitiam and order a bowl of hot bee hoon kueh soup. I placed my sketch book on the chair and moved on to collect my dinner. Then I placed my bag on top the sketchbook. There, I was enjoying my simple dinner. After I finished the food, the dish collector Uncle came and collected my tray and wrapped the table, I thanked him and grabbed my bag and went off!

I moved on to the Four Leaves Bakery and bought a loaf of bread for our next day breakfast. Then moved on to the bus stop. Hopped onto 167 bus and alight on the stop before and bought two bowls of Tou Huey without syrup and walked to the next bus stop to catch another bus home. When I finally reached home, I realized my sketchbook was not with me!!!!!  What am I doing! I totally forgot about it! Quickily, I called my colleagues to go to the food court and checked, no sign of it, someone took it away... BIG SIGH! 

The next day, I went to ask the dish collection counter, there was only lost umbrellas but no sketch book of mine... 

Life goes on....

Why my students hug me and love calling me Mama!?

My little students have been hugging me and called me "MaMa!" almost every classes lesson!

I told this to my older students 10yo Melody, 11yo Zhen Hong, 12yo Reina and Shania (10yo Keer & 11yo Teng Meng were absent) who are in upper primary levels, they told me straight without even thinking about it, "It is because when you do demo on the artwork and you are very good in art! That's why they hugged you!" 

Hmm...That could be one of the reason why they hugged me and called me Mama...

BOO!

Halloween is coming and I got my students to make Halloween masks! Different classes came out with different masks, some classes likes to follow my idea from the white board and also others love to create their own! This interesting theme excited them! The best part was, when I announced to them that they are going out of the classroom and "scare" people around the plaza! They cheered and were jumping up and down like little bunnies! One of my students suddenly hugged me and said "Teacher Esther, you are the best teacher in the world!" And I remembered, that was 8yo Rachel!

This is their first time "Booing" the public with their mask on!

4yo Asher and Javier were having fun making the masks, they spent more time decorate the mask because Cayla and Byton was absent.

This class has the most different and creative halloween character masks!

The children had a "Booing" good times that I had to tell the audiences to pretend to be scared! Haha!

This class has the most Ninjago masks! 

我们这一班！

Gor Gor Theon & Isaac wanted to express their drawings on the white board to the little ones! 

I'm glad that they are enjoying their artwork as well!

This is my favourite photograph! The Gor Gors make this class very special!

Imaginative drawing on the white board by Gor Gor Theon and Isaac! They really boosted up the little ones' imagination as well!

After their artwork, MoMo's mummy came to the art class with a yummy pandan cake for the little ones! Thank You Auntie Kim! :)

Everyone had packed and went home but Momo took out a new piece of paper and started to draw again! And she gave me this drawing! Isn't she a sweetie pie! :)

Art Talk!

When the lesson starts, my students will "report" to me about their family, school, games, movies and everything happening around them! The most amusing thing is they love to do it altogether and make the classroom very noisy! I stayed calm and would ask them to keep quiet first, raise their hands and do it one at the time! I would point at them one by one, as they'd reported, then times up for "reporting"! Eventually, I started my lesson!

Phew, it is always not easy to calm down the active brunch of children. The only thing that keep them quiet is to work on art! Art calms them down and work on their visual on a simple piece of paper and with colouring materials. Isn't that amazing! Of course, there are students who will get distracted or carried away easily. I have to pull them back to their work. What I could do is to let them express their speech right after their work, this will work as an communication between themselves and teacher and also understand their created visual by telling us. It is always a way to encourage the shy ones to stand front and talk about their work too, that will take times, the time will come when they are ready. I'm sure this will build up their bravery and personality.

My target for my little artists is not only their artwork talks by itself but also be able to present themselves to the audiences. Grow strong my little artists!

6yo Shayna shows and tells about her artwork.

Teacher Esther! Come to my Birthday Party!

8yo Rachel asked, "Teacher Esther, can you come to my birthday party!?"

I was like, "Huh??? Why me??" I asked.

"Because I want you to come to my birthday party and celebrate my birthday!"

"But, I'm an adult! Are you inviting your artmates as well!?" I asked.

 She said no. Then I told her I can't make it, and I have to work.

She was like Oh... and her expression was a little disappointed and wordering...

Do I hurt her feeling? I should have told her a little sweet lie and given her more cheerful answers! Gosh! Where has my creativity gone to!? O.o

Finding Kenny Tan (He was found!)

I was still teaching during the marathon classes on the previous Saturday (15th Sep) and all the sudden I received an urgent call from Mrs. Wong (Tein Foong's Mum) about 4:48PM. She panicky told me that Kenny Tan was lost! She asked me to look out for him if he happened to visit me at the classroom or spotted in Thomson Plaza. She told me that he was lost since morning at the Pathlight School and his parents and sisters were dead worried!

I instructed my students to do their work independently. Hurriedly, I sent the information to the Facebook and get friends to help! I'd spread to LCSG group and friends, many responded and helped to spread the words! Also, to follow up any news from Kenny, I checked on Kenny's sister fb states as well.

After my work, my husband and I energized ourselves with dinner then searched around Thomson Plaza where he could be found at his favourite place like NTUC, Popular and even the barber shop...Still, there was no sight of him around... 

I called Siao Siang's Mummy and reported to her, there's no sight of Kenny in Thomson Plaza. She gave me the latest info that Kenny was spotted at Somerset MRT station, and believed that he could be in town area. I updated the fb and informed the groups and friends again, in case anyone could spotted him in town area!

I had this urge to borrow bicycles from a cycling friend who stay around Thomson to search for Kenny at Bishan Park or AMK area. But, my body told me I was tired... Hubby told me to go home and rest, no sufficient clue, can't help much... So, I followed him home.

My mind was still unease, I was still thinking about Kenny Tan... But, my strong feeling told me that he will be alright. The clock hit 12am midnight, but I couldn't sleep.

Kenny ah Kenny, where are you!!!???

1:07AM, my mobile phone ringed, Mrs. Looi informed me that Kenny was FOUND!

There, my mind was relieved, signed in the fb in no time and informed LCSG group and friends that Kenny was found! Then, I was able to sleep well.

Today, Kenny was on MyPaper! This news is about how he was found and Singapore does have kind souls.

The news is about Kenny Tan's adventure on the day he was lost and also show that Singapore does have kind souls to help this boy.

The news is about Kenny's adventure when he was lost. The writer expressed that she was touch by hundred of ppl who had initiated the action of finding Kenny.  He was lost for 14 hrs, starved and drank tap water from the public toilets. He was found on the MRT train at AMK station after searching in and out of many places! Some ppl cheered, some ppl cried. Writer also expressed that after Kenny was found, money can't solved the problem, it is the heart and soul to do something together. We do not wait for something to happen, we have to do it to make it happen. There's a socialist who also expressed that by the story of Finding Kenny, learned that the spirit of helping someone is a great contribution rather than expect too much and do too little. We should have this spirit at all time and make a better place to live in!

11yo Aimee said...

11yo Aimee all the sudden popped out with words while she was working on her autumn painting, she said, "Teacher Esther, now I know why you don't have a child! My Dad told me, maybe you treat us like your own children!"

I was thinking to myself, am I really doing that? Maybe I do?

Art Competition at Esplanade!

Read this for more details! Go to this link http://www.esplanade.com/octoburst/2012/drawing_competition_colouring_fun.html

My "Oversize" Student!

My "Oversize" Student!

13yo Isaac stained his t-shirt when he was doing printing! He washed away the paint stains and almost half of his T was wet! I gave him an apron (child size apron) and insisted him to put it on! He doesn't want to get his T dirty again, but no choice, so he put it on!

All the little ones laughed out loud.

Gosh, sometimes I have been thinking, is our Isaac boy still a little boy!? It could be, in our eyes, like his parents, he is still a little boy!

Art MaMa!

8yo Rachel told me, " I don't know why my Mummy bought me pretty dress and shoes today! She even bought a toy cost about $90plus!"

"What! That's not fair! My toys don't even cost more than that!" 13yo Theon think it was hilarious.

"That's because Rachel is the only child! Theon, you have 2 more siblings right! I explained.

She was a little puzzled but very sure about her Mummy loves her like a darling, she continued, "Teacher Esther, I have the best Mummy in the world!"

"But, Mummy always do disgusting thing! She kisses me too much! Yucks!" Rachel complaint. We all laughed at her comment.

All the listeners - Momo, Jamie, Eileen(Jamie's good friend who came for trail class) and even Jotham had finished their work! In a while, Rachel asked for help. I went to her table and gave her a hand, out of the blues, she called me "MUMMY!"

6yo Keanne Yu who sat next to her and followed, "Mummy!"

Eventually, all of them called me, "Mummy!"

I was freaked out! I reminded them I'm their Art Teacher, not their Mummy!

Rachel exclaimed, "You are our Art MaMa!"

I was even more freaked out!

There, I requested the fast workers to help the slow ones.

All were busy and steady!

Phew....

I feel like a little child again!

Every Friday's art class at the Maplewoods, I would collect the keys and the air conditional remote control from the security office.

A grandpa looking angmo security guard uncle said, "Oh you look so cute in this outfit today!"

I blushed away and said "Thank You!"

Haha, I feel like a little child again! ^.^

Goodbye Katelyn!

6 years old Katelyn gave me a green four leaves plastic bag with the little white box inside and wished me a happy teacher's day. She brought me a sliced of cake. She also brought 5 sauages and 5 ham buns for her art mates. Her grandma who brought her to the art class all the time informed me it was her last day in this art class. I was listening to her but in my heart I was very sad, because Katelyn had been learning art from me since she was 4. When we were discussing about coming Lantern making lesson, she was so excited about it and said next week she will be coming! I reminded her that today is her last lesson. She kept quiet and continued her work.

After all her sharing of food and last interaction with her little artmates.
She came to me and said, "Teacher Esther, Thanks You for teaching me!"

There, I gave her a big hug! Goodbye Katelyn!

Room 101

I was quite pleased to see Ballet studios nice new signages on every doors namely Studio 1, Studio 2 on and on when I was walking to my art classroom. I was thinking where are the beautiful names like Blyton on and on which they used to name their ballet studios. My high spirit changed when I saw the door's signage named as Room 101 at our Picasso Studio!!! I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo disappointed! They already took our Davinci Studio away for their ballet and now they renamed our Picasso Studio as Room 101! Gosh, are they DM fans or what! My students claimed that there are not even 100 of rooms here! Do they provide room services!? My mind told me, gosh, they better have better things to do!

Theon in army uniform!

We were alarmed to see 13yo Theon in army uniform when he walked into the art classroom!   He looked smart in that green camouflage uniform! He came to art class right after his school CCA! His art mates asked questions about his CCA and talked about their different CCA they chose. Theon shared how they killed a lived frog from a survival skill in the wild and they got freaked out. This kid is growing up in our eyes, definitely a man who is serving the country with loyalty!

I am sure when Theon came and visited me in real army uniform in few years time, I will be very old by that time.

Bouncy! bouncy! bouncy! BOUNCY!

When I was demonstrating how to paint the wavy water on the paper by using water colour, I told my little students to imagine there's a rabbit bouncing on the paper. When I was painting, I was saying bouncy! bouncy! bouncy! They eventually started to jump up and down! I was laughing at their naive reaction! The funnest part was when they were back to their seats and started their own painting on their paper, they went bouncy! bouncy! bouncy! Aren't they adorable or what!

Beautiful Wild Animals | Siao Siang Looi | 2011

A wonderfully done video & edit by Iyvone Khoo. I remembered how we did this for a sleepless night like we did before during the school days when we were rushing for art project! I was in charge of looking for music for this video. Music by Nigel Kennedy. We love it and adore it! Thank you very much!

Sophia wrote about Siao Siang, a good read and a better understanding about the artist. The Everyday Revolution is moving forward to help the austistic artists! A way to go!

6yo Zephine said

I have been calling Megan as Michelle and Michelle as Megan on every lesson! XD 

This 6yo Zephine can't stand me anymore! She handed me a serviette!

"Teacher Esther! Nah!!!!"

"I don't need this!" I told her.

"You must take and keep it and don't lose it! OK!" 

Wow, this young lady is so fierce you know.

Then I realized it is a note! She wrote "Megan is not Michelle!" 

I laughed loudly, I find her so CUTE! But she gave me a stern look! And reminded me again, "Don't lose this note! OK!" And she went back to her work!

A little reminder from Zephine!

 

My new hair style

"No more Rock Star Esther! Teacher Esther, now you look more like a boy!" 10yo Anna commented.
"Why, not nice?" I asked.
"What did your husband say about your hairstyle??" 10yo Carissa asked.
"He said I look very CUTE!" I smiled.
"HUH! Your husband must be blind!!!!!" they exclaimed.
"Yes, he is blind by my love!" I laughed.
The whole class went, "AIYOOO!" XD

Happy Mother's Day!

This video is specially for all the great Mommies in the world! I managed to take some video of them during the rush hours! HAPPY MOTHER's DAY! to my Mum and all the Mommies out there!

Nanananananana...

 

Sing along session! Joy time together!

When Sonia starts humming, nanananana... Aimee adds in and they sing along!

It belongs to ME!

21yo Looi Siao Siang finally received the WWF recycle bag from me on the Thursday evening art class! He grabbed the bag in no time, I snatched it back from him as he was still holding on the bag (with strength). I was looking at him and expecting him to say the magic words, until he said, "Say Thank You!", eventually the bag was back to him.

My students were so curious about the bag, they asked, "Teacher Esther, what is WWF?" I told them to ask Siao Siang, and he said, "World Wildlife Fund!"

11yo Ashely reqested to take a look at the bag, Siao Siang allowed her. "Oh, the bag is made of bamboo! What if this bag was given to the panda, will they eat it??" Good question Ashely! But, I was not interested to answer her question, either Siao Siang!
I was more interested to "make fun" of Siao Siang, I hinted to Ashely not to return the bag to him! 13yo Michelle agreed with my mischief idea, we told Ashely to tell Siao Siang to give her this bag! Ashely thought it was a bad idea, kept blaming on us! Then Siao Siang exclaimed, "It belongs to ME!"

Michelle and I were laughing away! And poor Ashely kept blaming on us and still don't understand our purpose ~ We were making Siao Siang to interact with us! And he did!

I supposed giving him this bag wasn't an bad idea at all, he learns to talk to his classmates even more! Yes, my students indeed treated Siao Siang as their friends! and I am glad they are his art classmates and most importantly ~ FRIENDS!

WWF bags for WWF fans!

12yo Sonia, fan of WWF!

I saw a WWF logo recycle bag at a facebook link from the Tangs page!

Bought 3 of them on last Friday when I was shopping for Sonia and Aimee's canvases.
How come 3 of them? Well, they are: for myself, Sonia Hanke and of course Looi Siao Siang!

I took out one of the bag and placed it on the table together with the new canvas before the girls arrived for the class.

Sonia was the first one who arrived. She looked delighted when she spotted the bag! I told her it was for her, it was her advance birthday present! She was so happy!

When the lesson was about half of the time with Aimee, Sonia questioned, "Wait a minute, Miss Esther, my birthday is next week!"

"It is an advance birthday present!" I repeated.

"Oh yea! I forgot!" Sonia was smiling sillily.

Happy 12th Birthday Sonia Hanke!

Painting mosaic

Getting the little artist to paint the squares wasn't an easy task at all. 7yo Benjamin couldn't sit still and got distracted easily on every little things, like he would get thirsty every times and drink a whole bottle of water! Or being too helpful whenever there're children asking for help! He is one "Super Hero" that cannot help himself, yet. :s This boy has kind soul. But he has lesson to follow. I have to "pull" him back to his seat most of the times!

6yo Shayna is a perfectionist. She could not paint a perfect square and alarmed me every minute that she did a horrible job! She stood up with her paint brush, insisted to paint on a new piece of paper. I encouraged her to continue painting until she get it right. This time, she stomped her feet, ran to me and demand for a new piece of paper. Benjamin stood up from his seat and looked on. I said no to her and asked her to continue her work. She got mad and used the back of the paint brush and "drew" on my arms and I went "Ouchhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Shayna was terrified, she apologized immediately and went back to her seat and continued her work. She kept saying, "Sorry Teacher Esther..."

The class asked her, "Why you always say sorry to Teacher Esther on every lesson?"

I told her firmly, "No more sorry and focus on your work."

Shayna said ok and continued her painting.

It wasn't easy to keep a child discipline in their art work.

I totally forgot about the scratch when I was busy with one class after another.

But the last class suddenly gave me a little "reward"! 8yo Rachel and 5yo Momo ran to me and slapped a sticker on my arms! Aren't they sweet!

Lost work, founded memory, strong reminder!

Strong Reminder: Property of Theon Aw. Do not put on the Dustbin!

Founded Memory: 13yo Theon's sketch Cubism in Action Tsunami

Theow Aw was noticed that his charcoal artwork was lost after the "tragic" story that I told him! He was so devastated, kept asking why I put their artwork on the dustbin! I felt so bad about it, again. No choice, we need to move on, I requested him to redraft everything straight onto the canvas and focus on the painting.

He did well, he can remember what he'd drawn previously from the charcoal artwork. This young man even demanded me to take a picture of his draft before it get lost again! :s

One more thing, I have to thank Siao Siang's Mummy, Mrs. Looi. She is the one who provides all the canvases for the children without even asking for single cent! Thank you and hugs!

Happy Birthday Melody!

10yo Melody jiejie with her favourite little people!

It was Melody Lin's 10th birthday on 21st April Saturday! She didn't request to celebrate her birthday during her art class like Zhen Hong. A quiet and kindhearted girl chose to give out little goodies for the little people from her 7yo sister Marissa's art class!

Around 7.15pm, Melody's Mum hang her a bag of goodies at the doorstep and informed me about her birthday.

7yo Melody Tan overheard and interrupted, "Oh, you mean Melody Tan???"

We were laughing, Melody's Mum told her, "No dear, it's Melody Lin's birthday!"

Then she went, "Hahaha, oh i see!"

All the children were asked to go back to their seats and Melody gave away the goodies to her favourite little people!

There, I requested everybody to take a picture with the birthday girl!
The answer was "Nooooooooo!!" in no time!

"Ok everybody, give back the goodies to Melody Jie Jie if you said No!" I exclaimed.

Guess what, they said "Yesssssss!!" and hurried up group together and snapped a picture together!!!

Sometimes, I really don't know what to say about their reaction!

But I have taken beautiful pictures of my art students who are growing up TOGETHER! :)
 

11yo Zhen Hong said

"Teacher Esther, can I celebrate my birthday next week in the art classroom?? Because my birthdate fall on next Saturday!" Zhen Hong requested, he even told me that his family never celebrate birthday with a cake for him before! Believe him or not, I allowed him to do that. I saw a big smile putting on his chubby face!

On 14th April, before the lesson was even started, he came 30 minutes earlier just to prepare his own birthday party! 10yo Keer was there too, but she was there to do her make up lesson. She even witnessed what was happening! Haha!

"Teacher Esther, help me to set up the camera! Please!" This boy brought his DSLR, tripod, even came with a remote control! Saw him preparing his party with sincere, I gave him a helping hand in whatever he needs. I can tell he seriously wanted this so much in the art class!

Camera, flash, tripod and remote control- checked!
Packets of drinks- checked!
Paper plates and forks- checked!
1.5kg chocolate cake and candles- checked!
Lighter- Oh no! No lighter!

Zhen Hong dug out his wallet and hang me $2 and "begged" me to buy for him! With no complain, I just did it for him, ran to the nearest 7 eleven!

When the class started, his classmates who just came into the classroom, realized he was serious about celebrating his birthday in the art class! All of them couldn't wait to start the party! Until Chuan Woon, Ying Jie and Jun Hao arrived (They were late for class), the party begun!

Happy 11th Birthday Zhen Hong!

The truth is out!

I wrote this message to my students who lost their charcoal artwork on 22nd April :

Dear students,

I'd found the culprit! It must be "The Killer Cleaner"!!!! :(

My Sat level 6 students named the weekend cleaner as "The Killer Cleaner" (from Johnny English Movie) cos she always naps or lingers with her hp on the sofa in the pantry room :s

This morning, I questioned her whether she happened to throw any of my students' artwork on last Sat, she LIED to me that she didn't come on last Sat! Yes, she did come and I witnessed her R&R on the sofa in the pantry again. I realized something very fishy, when I was busy with the little people in the classroom, "The Killer Cleaner" sneaked into the classroom without my notice and wrapped up the first layer of rubbish bag! I think she has been doing that when I was teaching! :S

I supposed I'd left your drawings on top of the rubbish bin which I was intending to place them back into the bag, I could be distracted by the little people during the art class! Chaotic in the art class cos these little people need a lot of attention from me! "The Killer Cleaner" must have wrapped up your work by MISTAKE! Worse, I could have forgotten about your work when I was busy! BIG SIGH! This cleaner should knock the door and notice me! She has been RUDE! :S

Sorry students, my apology to all. Let us move on to the canvas and paint one of your cubism pieces from your charcoal sketches or from your memory. But one thing I wanted to share with all of you that SiaoSiang drew the same horse he did onto the canvas.:)

Have a nice weekend!

Best Regards,
T.Esther

Again, I have been thinking, at least she should ask me about the artwork before she thrashed everything even ON the bin!!! One more thing, the school head told me they are going to sack the cleaning company, I am glad to know that but if they'd done it earlier, this thing would not happen! BIG SIGH again!

6yo Javier said

6yo Javier loves KFC chicken popcorns meal! Usually, he will be late for art class and I allowed him to have his late lunch during the lesson. This time, he arrived earlier before his lesson starts. His grandpa deposited him in the classroom and rushed off somewhere. This little boy asked me politely if he can eat his fav meal in the classroom, I allowed him. I told him to behave and not to disturb my class and he agreed. He was eating his meal peacefully. 

When my earlier class ended, it was his lesson time. All his classmates came in and set up their table. There, I started to have a conversation with Javier.

"Javier, next time ask your Papa and Mama to bring you for lunch before coming to the art class, ok!"

"Teacher Esther, I don't have Papa!" He exclaimed.

I was stunned...

"What happened to your Papa??" I asked.

"I don't know, but I know I only have one Grandpa!" He replied and was munching away.

The class went quiet...

"Have you seen him before, do you have a photograph of him???" I asked for more details.

"No Teacher Esther, I don't know how he looks like...." This time Javier looked lost and a bit of teary...

I changed my subject quickily, and said, "Javier, I know you are Mummy's good boy!"

I went forward and gave him a good pat on his head and made a mess of his hair!!! And he went, "Hey!!!" He smiled again.

This cheery little Javier has a good heart. Grow up beautifully with good people around you!

My thought is, it is not easy for his Mother who is a single parent, working so hard to raise up her two children. Javier's Mummy - "JIA YOU!!!!"

My cheery little people!

Teacher Esther has gone mad!!!!!!

I know I had busy Thursday and weekends, I didn't get the chance to tidy up the art materials and my students' work in the classroom! But they are always in place where I stored them! Last Sunday, I got the time and chance to tidy up the stuff, then I realised I'd lost my Thursday students' charcoal artwork which was halfway, some 70% completed... They took almost 6 lessons to work out this artwork from composing to constructing to completing with my guiding!

My heart dropped all the way to the bottom...

I searched high and low for them! But they were not even found!

Did I misplace them? The other art teachers took them? The cleaners accidentally threw them away?? Or someone stole my students' masterpieces??? WHO???

I couldn't sleep last night, I was thinking about it the whole night, good things, bad things, EVERYTHING!!!! I was tossing left and right on the bed, I kept blaming it was the coffee I drank when I had buffet dinner with my husband and my in laws...

I needed to calm down but I can't..... I was sooooooooooooooo mad about what happened!

I asked myself, am I too serious with my students' artwork or my blood pressure has gone up!

BIG SIGH~

My Apprentices

Theon showed the children how to draw a dolphin! Issac wanted to join the fun too!

13yo Isaac Lee and Theon Aw usually came late for art class right after their dinner and school. For this case, I would extend their lesson time so they could join the younger group at the back of the seat to continue their artwork.

I supposed at the back of their seat, their vision of Teacher Esther teaching the younger group had flashed back their memories when they were their age.

When I was about to start the young group class, 13yo Theon interrupted,
"Teacher Esther, can I try drawing on the white board?"

Theon wanted to try teaching the little people!
Without hesitation, I decided to let him try.

"Come!" I handed him a whiteboard marker.

Then he changed his mind, he said he can't draw a dolphin. Actually, he can but he had no confident. Isaac encouraged him, and even showed him how to do it! Isaac wanted to draw on the board too! I stopped him because Theon's confident was low. I promised Isaac, he can do it on the other day.

Back to the white board, I showed both Theon & Isaac how to teach the young ones. The little people were very supportive too, they were smiling and looked on.

Finally, Theon decided to try, he came to the white board. Issac came along too, both of them showed the little people their drawings on the white board. Theon was drawing and Isaac was interacting with the students. They both did really well.

The little people were impressed by 2 gor gors. I must say they did a good job too, and they did the best drawing on the actual day!

There, Issac and Theon continued their work at the back.

8yo Hannah shared her happiness!

8yo Hannah Goh just email to my mailbox:

Hi Teacher Esther, my piano exam results came back. I got distinction. 133/150

Wow! I'm so happy for her! This young lady must be too happy to share her high score that she'd achieved in her exam. I replied her:

Wow! Awesome Hannah! I'm so happy for you!!!!! Well done!!!! :D

Now Teacher Esther has to work harder on my violin practice for coming September exam! 

Teacher Esther Jia you!!!

Shortlisted artwork submitted! :)

I'd just submitted Jamie & Chloe's artwork. Uncle Joeel was with me :) Hope they will win an title for their creation! All the best!

Kenny Tan Art | Colours 2012

Kenny's Jiejie Sophia (from Everyday Revolution) has put up a video of him featuring his work of art! His colourful paintings has definitely put a smile on our faces and make us a very happy art viewers! He has just began his art journey! Support in any way you can as an art audience! He has a mini art exhibition at the Pathlight School also highlight World Autism Awareness Day!

Way to go Kenny! :)

7yo Justine said

Justine's staircase drawing

Last Saturday (31.03.2012) at clay making session, my students managed to finish their work early, therefore, they had extra 15 minutes to do something! I asked them to draw something they like! Justine exclaimed, "Teacher Esther, I want to draw staircase!"

I was curious by his exclamation, I asked him, " Why do you want to draw staircase?"

"I don't know, I just feel like drawing staircase!" replied Justine.

I was not convinced, I asked him again, but he still said the same thing, "Hmm, I don't know, I just feel like drawing staircase!"

Then I took a picture of his drawing. I supposed he started to have a view of perspective in his drawings, or maybe the birth of Escher has just begun! :)

Phoena is BACK!

Last March, we bumped into Lims at the Junction 8 when we were shopping around after the dinner! Phoena's Papa (Mr. David Lim, a skateline instructor) chatted with me when Phoena and her Mum were at the wallet shop. He told me that Phoena wanted to join back the art class so badly! He will let her join back the art class after their Hong Kong Disney trip. Good news were shared and told to her little artmates as well.

When Phoena came back to her art class on 7th April 2012, her artmates exclaimed, "Phoena, you really come back!!!!!"

Yes, they reunion again.

And the lesson begins.

Good news!

Yes! I have got a mail from the NParks!

Good news! My students 5yo Jamie Dylan Tam and 8yo Chloe Chua Ke Ying were shortlisted! The email mentioned that they have been selected from thousands of entries for the final judging! I am so happy for both of them!

A little mix feeling for the rest of my art students, most of them did really well, but they were not shortlisted.

Here is my little message for students who are not shortlisted:

Dear Students,
You did well in your work, if you are not shortlisted, it is alright! You are young and have many opportunities knocking at your doors! So, never give up, take it as an experience and move on to the next one! Together we excellence in the art way! Cheers!

Love,
Teacher Esther

"Teacher Esther, come with me to Taiwan!"

"Teacher Esther, come with me to Taiwan!" 5yo Momo exclaimed.
"Really? Again?? Why me?" I asked.
"Because I want you to come!" She exclaimed.
Then 5yo Keanne grabbed my hand suddenly! He said, " Teacher Esther, come to Hong Kong with me!" I was like "Huh??!!!" He even repeated what he said, "Teacher Esther, I want you to come to Hong Kong with me!"
Oh dear, since when I'd become my students' favourite pet or toy or, well, favourite Teacher Esther and I have to go holidays with them, too!

4yo Momo said

Happy Mo Mo and her sheep!

"Teacher Esther, can we draw sheep when we come back to art class?" Mo Mo asked me this question during our Taiwan trip.

I told her I promised her I will teach her how to draw sheep when we come back to the art class. She held and pulled my hands for more attention, she had not finished her conversation with me, this time she whispered, "Don't let Donovan draw dog, teach me how to draw SHEEP first, ok!" Gosh, I wanted to laugh when she said that because Donovan kept pestering me to draw dog during the art class, previously.

Initially, I thought she would miss the art class on the week when she came back from Taiwan! She really came back! Her Mummy told me she must not miss the art class! As promise, I announced that we're going to draw SHEEP! Mo Mo was jumping up and down like a little lamb!

Job done!

I was urgently submitting 80 over entries of artwork to Trees for Life art competition! It was a hectic process, waiting for students' finishing artwork required a lot of patience and guidance, taking pictures of 80 over art pieces meaning bending my back for numerous of times plus scanning those entry forms, some even not completed, and I had to double check with the parents, on and on and on...

I was bringing forward the dateline from 9th March to 2nd March as I had a plane to catch on 3rd March! So it was panicking to me! Last Thursday (1st March) was a last lesson before I went for holiday, 13yo Theon couldn't meet my dateline as he couldn't stay late to complete his art piece, I asked him to continue at home and submit his picture of artwork and entry all by himself. Left 14yo James and 13yo Issac who were still rushing to finish up their work... They finished their artwork about 10pm. Thanks to my staffs who gave them extra time to complete their work. Finally!

Not to mention, everything took away my sleepless nights! But I managed to submit everything before my dateline!

Job well done! Teacher Esther! Time to pack my luggage!

Now I can focus to enjoy my holidays! Ya Hoo!!!!!!

Size does matter!

Getting my little artists to draw on the bigger scale paper from A3 to A2 size. Most students can manage the A3 size paper, and they even colour the whole drawings with no hesitation! This week, they were required to convert their original drawings to A2! Some did a wonderful job with no complain, some even can finish the work within 1 lesson! But, most cannot handle the size of the paper, they will either draw too small on or recomposition the drawings or change the story of the theme! In the whole, the artwork has to be split into 3 lessons, a day for discussion, brainstorming and drawings on the A3 paper. Followed by the day to convert the picture from A3 to A2. And finally, colouring and finishing stage. I hope the little artisits would enjoy this full 3 sessions in their creations!

Serious artists at Maplewoods

The young ladies are getting on to have a little competition among themselves! A test to their mind and their creativity! Sonia got her idea and sketches planned at home during her spare time from homeworks and piano practices. Whereas, Aimee was too tight up from her school activities and homework, the only time for her is to work on the ideas and sketches during the art class. Things worked out differently for both artists. But, they are doing great! :)

"Trees For Life" Art Competition

"Trees For Life" Art Competition

A link that was shared by my ex-student Evangelyn, who is currently studying at SOTA :)

Thanks for sharing Evangelyn! Keep in touch! :)

My student threw a pencil at me!

I told my 7yo Susanna to draw more fairies on her paper. 6yo Maya and 6yo Shayna wanted to draw fairies too! I told them not because their ideas were different. Both insisted, but I rejected them.

Maya didn't do a good job and requested to her redraw original idea on new piece of paper, there, I gave her another piece of paper. But, Shayna insisted me to draw a fairy on her paper, I rejected her, I even showed her how to draw a fairy demostrating on the white board. She stomp her feet and demand that I should help her :s

"No Teacher Esther, I want the fairy on the paper right now!" There goes her temper again.

I told her "This is an art competition, teacher is not allowed to help you, I only can guide you!"

7yo Benjamin interfered, "Shayna, stop it! Teacher Esther said no means no!"

Shayna stomp her feet and threw a pencil right onto his head!

I was about to give her a lesson and furious Benjamin threw back to her and targeting on her head!

"I supposed to scold one person and now I have to scold 2 persons!" I raised my voice with my big wide eyes!

Both were terrified by my facial expression and apologized immediately to each other!

Back to their work. Every lesson I would share some interesting stories to my students, but this time I was so regret to do it on this lesson... Shayna decided to change her mind on her drawing after I told them the story! She demanded for a new piece of paper! I told her if she changed her mind again, no more paper to be given! We supposed to save the trees!!!!!!

Again, she asked for help when she had hard time drawing a kingfisher. There, I showed her on the board again.

"Teacher Esther, I want that kingfisher on the paper right now!"  Shayna once again throwing her tamtrum!

When I said no, she threw a pencil right onto my chest! There, I gave her a strict look.

Maya stood up from her seat, ran to the front and picked up the pencil and hanged it to me! I was wondering why would she do that, I asked her to put it back and asked Shayna to pick it up and apologized to me in no time. She didn't, and she even crossed her arms... The whole class were shocked by her action.

Times up and lesson ended and I have to get everyone packing up and opened the door for the next class. When I opened the door, the class was quiet and their parents entered the room to help their children. Benjamin reported to his mum about what happened and his mum told her, "No girl, you cannot do that to Teacher Esther..."

Then she stomp her feet and replied, "You're not my Mother!!!!"

Benjamin's Mum was shocked and making sure that her son was behaving in the class. When Shayna's grandma arrived, I told her about what happened, soft spoken grandma told her to apologize, she ran out of the classroom without packing her things! Sigh.... Shayna ah Shayna... :s

7yo Joshua says...

8yo Ian told me, "Teacher Esther, next week is Valentine's day you know!"

"Yea, do you have a girlfriend?" I was joking with him.

Ian went shy and said, "Yes..."

7yo Joshua interrupted, "Teacher Esther! I don't have girlfriend!!!"
Then his younger sister 5yo Sonia responded immediately, "Gor Gor, I am your girlfriend!!!!"
Both me and their Mother laughed at their conversation.

Then again, Joshua asked something funny " Teacher Esther, can I be you boyfriend!!??"

His mother and I were stunned and went huh...

Kids say the darnedest things!

I could have hugged her...

5 yo Shayna was always demanding, throwing temper during my class, angry over small little things... Today, she told me something that made me shock and I am still thinking about her...

"Teacher Esther, do you know I have brothers and sisters? I have 3 of them..." Shayna was chatting with me when I was touching up her artwork.

"I know your gor gor and jie jie (brothers & sisters) are your cousins right!" I replied her confidently.

She continued, "No, they are my real brothers and sisters! My dad doesn't allow me to play with them..."

I was confused because I learnt that Shayna has been a only child in her family and then I asked why.

"You know, We have same mother!" She claimed.

"Ok, of course they are your siblings and you have same mother, what are you talking about?!" I was getting more confused.

"They have the same mother of mine but different dad!" Shayna confirmed.

I was shock to hear what she had told me. A 5yo little girl could explain her family chain with me and she was very sure what was going on. I was thinking whether her parents were right to explain these to her at her tender age, was it too early? Her mentality is so much more mature than any other children. I realized when she explained what was going on, the other children were not interested. Why can't she be as naive as her classmates... Was it because her dad wanted to protect her from her step-siblings and told her the truth about the relationship. Was she confused too?

Should I hug her to console her...  I could have hugged her... She's always an angel to Teacher Esther. Grow up beautifully my dear Shayna.

Happy 13th Birthday Theon!

"Yes, I have been waiting for many years and my birthday fall on Thursday art class!" Theon Aw who turned 13 today expressed his happiness with his classmates! My little pop artist who was 4 years old does really grow FAST! :)

Let me tell you a secret...

I had a brand new art class this year on Saturday. It started with 4 students, 3 students were 4 years old turning 5 this year, and a 6yo Desiree who is primary one this year who is turning 7.

It was their very first art class for all of them but 3 of them happened to be very scared. Obviously, 6yo Desiree was ok. First, 5yo Yayu, she kept asking her Mum and her helper to stay with her but she still managed to stay in the class with them, a little scared I can tell from her facial expression. Second, Shu Chong, he kept holding or pulling the collar of his t-shirt whenever I spoke to him. Third, Ryan, his eyes were teary when I was drawing on the whiteboard. Then I realised I need to communicate with them as they were not very familiar with me and the environment!

I stopped drawing and said, "Class, I have a secret to tell you..."

The children gave me a curious look.

I continued, "I haven't washed my apron for many years!!!!!!!"

The whole class laughed and looked at my very dirty apron!

Yayu started her conversation, "Teacher Esther, why you never washed your apron ah?? You know it is very dirty and smelly!" She smiled.

"I know, but I really don't have time to wash it, and I think the stains will not be washed away because they have been on the apron for many many years! And I think I didn't washed it for more than 5 years!!!!!"

Wow, more than 5 years, I can't even believe what I said but it is so true!!!

Yayu finds the conversation so amusing, "Teacher Esther, you can ask your maid to help you wash!"

"But, I don't have a maid!" I replied.

"You should use a scrub with detergent, scurb on the dirty area and rinse it with water!" Oh my! 5yo Yayu talks like an adult.

When I saw the rest were comfortably listening to our conversation, they were at eased, there, I continued drawing on the board.

The lesson begins.

P.S: Thanks to my very dirty red apron :)

Gong Xi Gong Xi

My students love singing festive songs especially Christmas carols and Chinese new year songs! The most popular chinese new year song is Gong Xi Gong Xi! They would do their artwork and sing along together!  First, they would sing it in Chinese, I remember 5yo Shayna sang it in English loud and clear last year! But this year, she can't really remember the lines... 6yo Maya (my Japanese student) recalled and sang it out loud for us!

Here's the lyris:
Chinese New Year means hong bao,
Lots of food and lots of fun.
Peanuts, candies and cookies,
Coka cola, ice cream.
Gong xi, gong xi, gong xi ni ya! 
Gong xi, gong xi, gong xi ni!

4yo Momo said...

4yo Momo kept calling me "Teacher Esther!" when I was conducting the class! 5yo Maya thought it was funny, she smiled at me everytime Momo called me!

This time Momo started to ask me question, "Teacher Esther, do you still riding?"

I mistakenly heard that she said Teacher Esther do you still play violin!

Then I said, "Oh yes, I do still learn violin!" :)

Then she repeated herself again, "No Teacher Esther, do you still riding?"

"Oh yes, I'm still learning how to play violin! And I'm learning from a teacher too!" I said.

Momo is a soft spoken little child even when she shouts, I don't really hear clearly with her soft shouting tone! Haha! She was a little fustrated but she repeated herself again, "Teacher Eshter, I mean do you still riding?"

This time I got her, "Oh you mean I still ride my bicycle?? Cycling??"
"Oh yes of course I do!"

"When are you going to cycling?" Momo asked.

"Hmm, maybe tomorrow!" I replied, "Do you want to join us?" I teased her.

"I can't, Teacher Esther! Tomorrow I have SCHOOL!!!" Momo exclaimed.

I laughed and said, "Ok, let's go cycling together one day k!"

Momo answered without hesitation, "YES!"