Adventures in Art Education

We need to stop seeing autism as some sort of one-dimensional sliding scale. Autism is not a thermometer. It’s not a rating that is “more” or “less”. High-functioning and Low-functioning do not exist in the real world.

Autism is a collection of symptoms and behaviours. Like a sundae bar. You choose your toppings that fit you.

Are you a bipolar extravert that loves socialising, is good at math and bad at remembering time? That’s ONE way to be autistic!

Are you a socially anxious autistic who has meltdowns when your clothes don’t feel right but a genius knowledge of music theory and is great at scheduling? That’s another way to be autistic!

Notice how both of those examples has strengths and weaknesses? Is one more “employable” or “high-functioning” than the other?

DANCING GUY!! by Talbot (4yrs old)

I ran some animation workshops with kids at the State Library earlier this month. When I showed the results to my kids, Talbot wanted to have a go.

The purpose of this gift exchange is to provide first-year teachers with gifts of tangible support, along with the regular encouragement that Tumblr provides. The rules are simple: if you want to receive a care package, just be a someone who is starting their first year in their own classroom this fall. To be a giver, be committed to sending one (you may send more) package of first year supplies/goodies to help a newbie prepare for the year ahead. You don’t have to be a teacher or work in education to sign up as a giver, allies are accepted too; message @hipsterenglishteacher and we will discuss. This is a one-time gift exchange. 

To register to be a Gift GIVER, click here.

To register to be a Gift RECEIVER, click here. The deadline to sign up is midnight central time, July 20, 2017.  

Gift Receiver registration will close on July 20, 2017, but Gift Giver registration will remain open until everyone is matched.  

Giver Guidelines:

Preliminary assignments will go out July 24, and gifts should be mailed off by August 2, so everyone can receive their packages before school starts.  If you can’t get something mailed off before then, an Amazon gift card or a gift certificate to a local supply store would be sufficient. Once you ship, create a post using the tag #fytge2k17 letting us know your care package has shipped.  You may buy school supplies or personal gifts for the teacher. A general rule would be to spend about $20-30 before shipping.

Receiver Guidelines:

When you receive your care package, post a photo using the #fytge2k17 tag. Maybe even send a thank you note to your giver(s).