In preparing for teaching today's lesson in "lettering", I initially found myself getting very theoretical about letters, words, and the way in which we use them to communicate. I quickly realized that 8th graders care very little about theory, so I planned my lesson to accomodate a more hands on and tangible approach. It is indeed a challenge to simplify the infinite topic of communication with letters into a fun, meaningful, and practical 55 minute time slot, while also leaving room for the students to work and be creative on their own.

Despite my desire to teach and excite students about all of the wonderful idiosyncrasy's of art and design, it seems important to remember that they are operating on a much more fundamental level, and we need to meet them there. After getting lost in theory, I had to remind myself that 8th graders simply need to be introduced to the fun and pleasure that is art... and they need to be encouraged more than corrected.

It was lovely to see the students interest peaked as they realized they were surrounded by expressive letters...particularly on all of their t-shirts. The wonderful thing about design is that it relates to everybody... and relating is empowering.

-Matt Lawler