Kindergarten students are beginning the year by learning about different types of lines and the emotional qualities associated with them. After practicing making different types of marks in their sketchbooks, students filled in a life size outline of their bodies with as many different types of lines as they could think of. The kids are in the process of painting their projects with tempera cakes. Below are some images of the work in progress.
First graders ended they year by learning about Van Gogh’s sunflower drawings. I set up two still life displays around the room an then the kids basically just took off by themselves.
Once they finished their contour drawings, they used oil pastels for the color. I was doubtful at their ability to use pastels for small areas, but once again they rose to the challenge.
The thing that I liked best about this project was that my students were able to clearly see their growth from the beginning of the year. It gave them a tremendous sense of accomplishment. The last sunflower that I posted is testament to this. This student had tremendous difficulty controlling materials at the start of the year. During the project he turned to me and said “Ms. Sajan, I think this is my best work.” I have to fully agree!
With this being only my third year teaching elementary school I am constantly impressed and surprised by the artistic abilities of my students. This is the first time I have done this project. I had no idea what to expect at the end of it. Theses projects surpassed all my expectations!!!
For this project kids looked at images of Pacific Northwest Indian art work. Afterward, I gave them a worksheet that asked them to choose different animals that represents their feelings. Samples questions were “When I am happy I feel like a…….When I am sad I feel like a…….” After the kids came up with a list of animals, they choose three for their totem poles.
Next, I showed them how to create pinch pots. Pots were stuffed with paper towels and holes were cut at the top and bottom of each ball to allow circulation. Balls were then attached together and then the three headed structure was attached to a clay base.
Students then went a head and built their animal heads and added texture and patterns to their work. After the totem poles students used Amaco Alligator glazes to their colors. I cannot go on enough about how much I love these glazes. They work particularly well on top of our red clay.
Recommendations for the project:
Students were given the challenge of incorporating movement, overlapping, and small, medium and large with images of nature. Below are some of their final projects.
These were recently sent home for Mother’s Day. I bet many mom’s preferred getting flower tiles verus real ones!
Second graders just finished a unit on community entiteld “Our Cool School” in their homeroom classes. I decided to use this theme for one of their art projects. Students were asked to choose a school community member and then create a print of them performing their job. Below are some of their wonderful projects.
For this project first graders learned about how artists use symmetry in artwork. They then combined their new knowledge with crayons and watercolors to create beautifully patterned butterflies.
My 5th grade students just completed a lesson on Malaysian batik. Students used a resist made from a mixture of equal parts toothpaste and aloe vera hand lotion (Yes, you read that right!) to create images of nature. After the resist dried, they painted their projects with tempera paint. (Just a little side note, students should not paint on top of previous dried paint. The new layer will eventually wash off.) A day later, they soaked their projects in a tub of water for a few minutes and then used the pressure of the sink facet to remove the resist. I wish all of you could have seen their faces once the resist and extra paint was removed to reveal their gorgeous projects underneath!
Second graders recently learned about the artist Louise Nevelson. Afterward they used cardboard to create abstract sculptures of their own. This unit was a lesson in balance and patience!
My first graders just finished learning about the cave paintings in Lascaux, France. My students then created their own cave paintings on sand paper that they created. Their paintings are currently outside my classroom. Their cute little animals make me smile every time I leave my classroom. Hopefully they have the same effect on you.
My second graders just finished working on crayon and watercolor family portraits. Here are some examples of their work:
