Heather has been teaching the first two steps of "See, Wonder, Think" in kindergarten classrooms.  The process is simple; students look closely at an artwork, then describe to their partner what they see objectively.  Next, they think about something they wonder about the art.  

For example, with this artwork, students were heard saying "I see shoes.", "I see a cow." or "I see two people."  What they "wonder" is really interesting.  "I wonder what those hooks are."  I wonder if the wind blew the hay stack over", "I wonder if they are really asleep."

The importance of this exercise can not be overstated and we suggest K-2 teachers do it as regularly as possible.  Here are some of the benefits of this routine:

• Regular speaking practice/ structured student talk
• Paying attention to details (applicable in all subjects)
• English language skills and vocabulary development
• Learning how to share ideas with others
• Divergent thinking practice
• How to disagree respectfully
• Fosters inquiry and curiosity

Students observe closely and quietly.

Students have an opportunity to share with a partner using the frames "I see___" then "I wonder ____".

From their website:
Through the message of Black Violin’s music, we’ve spent the last 10 years working to encourage and empower people of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to find what connects us, rather than shine a light on what divides us. This past year alone, we’ve played for nearly 100,000 students and over 125 public shows across the US and Europe. We’ve taken this opportunity to spread a message that challenges the world’s view of what it means to rise above labels, be daring enough to follow their passion and most of all, be true to themselves. As black men living in America, we understand challenges and we also understand the power of “I can’t”, yet we decide to live by and promote the power of “I can”. We realize that every opportunity to connect our diverse fans is an opportunity to break down the barriers that separate us, empower individuality and encourage progress.

These watercolor/oil pastel paintings were created by 5th grade Washington Elementary School students learning about symbolism.  They chose a character from the book Wonder by R.J.Palacio and chose a symbol to represent that character.  For example, a goose might represent a protective character or a gift for a generous character.  The background text comes from the book and is presented as evidence for the character's attribute.  

Alice Birney 3rd graders learn how to blend colors from light to dark as they create the background of their landscapes.

Lafayette students in Ms. Tur's class studied color, shape, and line with their buddies as they created Kandinsky circles.

Mrs. Linde at Lafayette School used this poster to introduce her Martin Luther King Jr. lesson.  Students chose a color for their part, and had to assemble the pieces to discover what the image was.  In the end they saw that color does not effect the final outcome. The lesson went on to address the historical and cultural context of MLK and why we have a holiday in his name.  

Student engagement was 100% in Mrs. Crandell's science class as 7th graders choreographed movements to demonstrate atomic motion as items like an ice cube go through changes in states of matter.