Coil Pot

I admit it.  Coil pots were really difficult concept to 2nd graders.  Until that is, I learned that a Terra Cotta flower pot (very inexpensive, and lasts a long time) can be used as a mold. Students coil the clay around the inside of the pot, pressing against the walls.  They smooth the interior with their fingers, and at the end of the day, I can just shake them out.  The Terra Cotta pots hold the water from the clay, so the students' pots dry quickly, and the pots can be used for years to come.  One smartypants 2nd grader however was not content to only go up the walls of the flower pot.  She went up, up, up, and her pot turned out better than I expected. 

Dragons

The 1st graders and I have had a great time reviewing some art room basics, like patterns, cutting, paper sculpture techniques, and marker use.  And, it is all jammed into one really fun project...Dragons.  We drew and colored patterns all over a long strip of paper which we would then accordion fold and use for the body.  A green paper was cut into a tail, and a black marker used to create a line design on the tail.  The head was a project in itself, as it was a folded puppet head which we then embellished with paper sculpture techniques.  Eyes, mouth, hair, horns, teeth, etc.  Fire, tongues, and other details were strongly encouraged by me.  We used green scraps from the tail paper to cut out feet.  And, while they finished on the last working day, I put straws on the tail so that one hand works the head and the other works the tail.  The students were beyond happy with their paper dragon puppets.

New Playground/Innovation/Wishful Thinking...

Our school is under construction right now, as we are getting a renovation.  (I will be getting a new art room, and am over the moon excited, but I digress.)  In using the idea of innovation/discovery with my 3rd graders, we discussed how innovation is the improvement on something we already have, or do.  It's intent is to improve our life in some way.  With that in mind, the students and I brainstormed what we like about playgrounds and what we didn't.  For example, splinters on our tree house, or slides that get one's behind wet after a good rain.  We started imagining what a new playground might include during the renovation, and sketched out ideas.  Then, I broke out the paper, pipe cleaners, straws, tape, glue, etc and we made small models of our playgrounds.  Much editing and problem solving ensued.  I think it is important to encourage my students to think through their problems, and challenge themselves to solve them.  I also am always looking for those projects which will be fun for all, but challenge my smarties to think.  They loved this one.  We are going to send our plans and pictures of our models to the architects.  No promises were made to the students about whether or not we'd get any of our plans included, but we can dream.  Personally, I think we'll be glad if all they do is "unsqueak" our swings, but who knows.

Wild Things

So, recently, I've come across Scholastic Books on DVD at TJ Maxx.  For about $6 I get a DVD with 4 great stories, about 10 minutes each, and it even has the option to turn on the read along.  Great for subs, and also, great for introductions.  It is really important for students to hear a story well read, and although I love to read them a story and often do, this is a nice switch up once in awhile.  Anyway, I showed the kids "Where the Wild Things Are" at the beginning of art, and we talked about exaggerating.  During one lesson, I had the students draw and color a "Wild Thing", and we worked on our coloring skills.  They enjoyed the idea so much, that I had them continue it by using collage techniques to create a "Wild Thing".  I liked the results very much, and they can't wait to take them home.

SeussTastic

Our Yertle the Turtle Tower

The Sneech Beach

Since it is "Read Me Week" and my first graders were caught up on their work, we did some Dr. Seuss related projects.