New Direction

Some of you noticed a little change in the banner and profile pic on my Facebook page and a new name on TES. I'm happy to announce that rebranding and expansion into creative literacy resources as well as art resources is well underway and that Tick the Art Box is now found as The Pen Licence on TES.com, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest and a new website is another work-in-progress. Thank you to all customers and followers of Tick the Art Box, especially those who asked (some might say harassed ;) ) for more writing and writing resources. Thank you also for your understanding during this unforeseen extended break.

Please visit https://thepenlicence.com.au and join my email list for new featured resources , updates, sales, events and freebies.

Cracker Christmas Bundle

Save time, save money, enjoy and extra Christmas coffee catch-up with friends. You know you deserve it!

Enjoy a creative Christmas in your classroom, with this comprehensive collection of Advent and Christmas resources. These resources are for real learning in Visual Arts, Literacy and RE as you countdown to Christmas. Adaptable for a range of ages and grades and anchored to the elements of art, imaginative and persuasive texts and religious traditions and themes, these resources include many suggestions for adaptation and extension. Time-saving for class and subject teachers. Excellent resources for casual relief (substitute) teachers, and student teachers to have in their "bag of tricks" as the festive season approaches. Also suitable for out-of-school groups and programs. 

Bundle purchase saves 80% Why wait? 

Merry Creative Christmas!

(Coffee photo from pixabay.com)

"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.