"When the bloom on the jacaranda tree is here..."

Altogether now, Australian primary teachers, sing up: "When the bloom on the jacaranda tree is here, Chris Mouse time is near" What, you haven't heard of Chris Mouse? He must be related to Stuart Little. It's one of my favourite five-year old mondegreens (misheard lyrics).  I can't sing that song any other way. (That five year old is a high school teacher now; not sure if entertains his students at this time with songs about Chris Mouse.) 

Actually, when the bloom on the jacaranda tree his here (in Australia) Advent is near - and the colour is perfect, how cool is that?  The first Sunday of Advent this year is December 3, time to break out the purple media and get the art activities ready. For something new this year, try my Advent Stained Glass Window Activity, exploring the artistic elements of Colour and Shape, and the concept of symbol, as well as Hope, Love, Joy and Peace, the themes of the Four Sundays of Advent.

Advent Stained Glass Windows: Exploring Colour and Shape is a versatile and engaging Visual Arts resource for a range of grades and ages, which works both as a collaborative or individual task and lends itself to differentiation for a range of abilities. Students can work with a variety of media from markers, oil pastels or paint to collage or cellophane construction. With a focus on each Sunday's theme, the activities can be developed from a single lesson into an ongoing project linked to your Advent RE unit.

Advent Stained Glass Windows is available as a single resource or as part of a bargain Advent Arts bundle designed to engage your students in a creative countdown and a meaningful preparation Christmas this year through learning in Visual Arts, Religious Education and Literacy.