Mandy McGee

VA – 079 Darkroom Safety, in Detail: Loading Cans and How to Photograph (5-8)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Lafayette Parish, Mary Jo Allen, Math, Middle School, Science, Social Emotional Learning, St. Martin Parish, Visual Art

My enthusiasm for the alchemy of photography began at age 12 when my older brother entrusted a Kodak Brownie to me. In 1983, I moved to a suburb of Cleveland, OH and began a formal study of the fine art and history of photography. I purchased darkroom equipment and established a home-based photo lab. The impetus and fascination commenced through experimenting and developing new techniques, freelance work and commissions, gallery exhibits, and teaching young people the craft of pinhole photography through various workshops.

VA-078 The History of Pinhole Photography / Darkroom Processes & Safety (5-8)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Lafayette Parish, Mary Jo Allen, Math, Middle School, Science, Social Emotional Learning, Social Studies, St. Martin Parish, Visual Art

Students will engage through the understanding of how light works. Stories of early observations dating back to the 5th century, as well as Aristotle’s theory of light /photons. A ray of light vs a bundle of light. To prove how light works, students will look through a 4×5 camera. The comprehension of how to load a paper negative into a pinhole camera. How to properly set up the camera for taking a picture with available outdoor lighting. The concept of how light will project onto light sensitive paper in the can. An understanding of time for exposure (formula). An understanding of depth of field and wide angle due to curvature of the pinhole can camera.

VA-081 Illustration in Motion (8-12)

by Mandy McGee | French Speaking, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Malcolm Cormier, Middle School, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish, Visual Art

“Illustration in Motion” is a beginner’s guide to animation. During the session, we will go over a few of the 12 fundamental principles of animation, as well as how to animate a bouncing ball. They will be taught this process in the form of a flipbook!

VA-080 Darkroom Development & Safety (5-8)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, English Language Arts, Lafayette Parish, Mary Jo Allen, Middle School, Science, Social Emotional Learning, St. Martin Parish

Darkroom safety and proper procedures for chemical development of photos. Safety goggles, access to water for rinsing photos and a clothesline /clothespins for drying photos. If time allows, creative writing techniques / poetry using pinhole imagery for inspiration.

LA-021 Writing with Images

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, High School, Iberia Parish, Ladi Opaluwa, Lafayette Parish, Literary Arts, Louisiana, Middle School, Social Studies, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

In this session, we will explore the art of visual storytelling. We will read and analyze works that combine words and images as narrative tools, to see how they complement each other. Then, we will create our own short stories using these devices.

M-021 Vocal Voyage: Discover Your Voice (PK-5)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Music, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Theatre, Vermilion Parish

Are you ready to embark on a musical journey and unlock the full potential of your voice? In "Vocal Voyage” students will receive expert vocal coaching from a classically trained musician with a passion for helping singers reach their full potential. This session will...

M-020 Spotlight Success: Performance Coaching for Aspiring Stars (PK-5)

by Mandy McGee | Ado Soul, Bullying Prevention, Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Music, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Theatre, Vermilion Parish

Are you ready to take your performance skills to the next level and shine bright on stage? In "Spotlight Success," students will receive personalized coaching from a renowned performing musician to elevate their performance skills. The session covers vocal techniques,...

M-019 The History of African Americans in Louisiana through Music (9-12)

by Mandy McGee | Ado Soul, Black History Month, Festivals, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, Louisiana History, Middle School, Music, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

From the vibrant rhythms of jazz to the soulful melodies of blues, this session will delve into the rich cultural heritage that has shaped American music today. Through a listening session and discussion, students will learn about the struggles and triumphs of African...

CM-026 Mindful Moves (PK–12)

by Mandy McGee | Creative Movement/Dance, Crystal Bridgewater, Elementary School, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Middle School, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

Mindful Moves is a yoga-inspired program designed to help students bring calm, focus, and energy into their school day. Through simple yoga poses, breath work, and gentle stretches, students learn techniques to manage anxiety, boost concentration, and start their mornings feeling awake and energized. All activities are designed to be done right in the classroom, making mindfulness and movement accessible anytime, anywhere.

VA-069 The Yarn Lab (3–12)

by Mandy McGee | Adaptable for Special Education, Crystal Bridgewater, Elementary School, High School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Math, Middle School, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Visual Art

The Yarn Lab is an entry-level crochet program designed to introduce students to the art of crochet while building focus, patience, and creativity. In this hands-on class, students will learn basic stitches, follow fun projects, and discover how yarn and imagination can turn into tangible creations. Perfect for beginners, The Yarn Lab makes learning both engaging and rewarding. Adaptable for Special Education Single Session

ADDITIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION RESOURCES