I am very excited that this is the topic for this week because I used to and continue to love picture books. They, at times, are more profound than even novels. I love the simplicity of them and how easy and accessible their points are. I was happy to read the section of the PDF on Picture Writing: Fostering Literacy Through Art because it is something I wish I had been able to participate in more often as an elementary student. I like the idea a a student "writing," though I am reluctant to use quotation marks because it really is writing, a story through pictures and then reciting it to the class and teacher. This way they truly are writing a story though it may not be with words. What an excellent for of expression!

This article inspired me to use this and other strategies in the classroom. I am going to do the same thing described above, but write down every word the child says so that I can show them what they "wrote" through pictures and how they can be easily translated into words. I genuinely think this is a good idea for adults who are struggling with writing something: map it out. My favorite picture book is probably In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak. I love how the imagination is so free. I wish more people allowed their imaginations to roam as freely as those of the authors and illustrators of picture books. I hope to bring out the imagination present in all children through activities like these. I am excited about the amazing things they will come up with!

Davis Haines
Syracuse University

Tattoos!

I really found this article intriguing. I am not somebody who has ever considered getting a tattoo, and I have not changed my mind, but I have opened my mind to the merit of its art. I think that the idea of tattoos is compelling. I think that our culture does, too, which is why we have several shows on television about the stories behind tattoos. I think tattoos is wearing art. I think that if my name or image was on a tattoo, I would be super flattered. To have something mean so much to you that you permanently make it a part of who you are through art is a pretty awesome thought. I like the mention to Anthony Kiedis (I used to be a bigger fan) because he is a celebrity that understands the art of tattoos and understands what it means to have them. His tattoos from different cultures remind me of my girlfriend's mom's tattoos that are of Native American origin. She is Jewish, but she identifies with the tree of life, and I think that is very cool.

I would love to teach my students about art and expression through tattoos. I would have no problem showing my students images of tattoos and having them express their thoughts about them. If I were not teaching preschool I would say that it is already a plan of mine. I respect that tattooing is a much of an art as ink on a canvas and therefore I believe in the teaching ability tattooing has on learners. I really liked this article.

Davis Haines
Syracuse University