This week in class I started another book. so far I have only cut out the board and covered the pieces in paper. I want this book to be filled with photographs I have taken at an Autism Awareness parade. I am going to have the book start out opening vertically, but when you get half way through the book I want you to be able to open it horizontally. (5 hours)
Another book that I just started working on today is a book that is created by a bunch of puzzle pieces that will unfold to create images of the students work. I will have photographs of this work next week. (3 hours)
I finished my IP grant and turned it in Thursday. (2 hours)
I also went to Detroit twice this week. Once I worked with two girls creating collages with paper and other textured things like foil and textured paper. The second time I went I worked Denee for the first time since I have been commuting to Detroit. We talked a little bit more then we did the first time I met her. We both drew pictures of our families during thanksgiving dinner. They are not finished yet but are coming along quite well. (6 hours)
I also researched a couple of autistic artist, which I put up their work earlier this week (1 hour)

 I am quickly learning that it is hard to create projects in group settings when you have to rely on other people to help you create your work, but I am also learning that it is well worth it just to work with and get to know the girls I am working with now. If I could I would go to Detroit every morning and create art projects with them.

Next week I plan on finishing one of the books I started. Binding it, as well as putting in the pictures I planned on adding to the piece. I also plan on going to Detroit on this Friday and Wednesday. I am hoping to start creating photo projects with them Friday. Our first project I am going to teach them how to draw with light. While setting my camera up to a tripod I am going to show them how you can draw with flash lights when using a slow shutter speed. After that I will come up for another project for Wednesday. I was thinking I might let them create a photo narrative, letting them first create masks and then tell a story through pictures with the camera. I think the second project might take more then one class period though so I might have to work on the second photo piece an extra day.
I am also staying in Detroit this Friday to work with Melanie Manos and her Detroit Connections group. She is going to help me think of some ideas for projects to work on with my kids.