Gotta Brag

Loving the use of CD's for circle weaving.  Much sturdier, much cuter (in my opinion) and the kids love the idea of re-purposing something.  I just had to post some more finished ones, to brag on my babies.

Circle Weaving- a new twist

If you have ever tried circle weaving, you know that the paper plates can get wearing.  If you don't buy the good sturdy ones, the kids will have tacos for looms.  If the notches are not even, the circle will be off- center, and it seems to take some kids forever to weave a good portion of the plate.  For awhile, I thought I had solved a lot by using cocktail plates.  And then, I came across the idea to use CD's on Pinterest.  Basically, I had the students tie their yarn through the hole in the middle of the CD, and slide the knot to the center.  From there, we wound the string through the hole, around the edge, and back in again.  It doesn't really matter how many times, as long as you have an odd number (2 so far have been busted on that).  Then, you tie the string back to the tail in the middle.  Surprisingly quick and easy.  And, the middle stays centered, not to mention it being an attainable amount of weaving for any student.  I still let my kiddos break out the feathers to embellish the edges, cause who doesn't like a few feathers?  Gotta say, I think I'm a fan of weaving on CD's. (Make friends with your techies- they will donate lots of CD's to the cause)

Fall

Just a cute couple of trees I did with Kindergarten. We tore brown paper to make the trees and branches.  I have been really working with the students on the idea of branches, and it was not translating in their drawing.  I thought something more tactile might do the trick.  We did the old tissue square on the eraser trick to make the leaves.  They were fascinated by that "trick".

My Absolute Favorite

I know, as art teachers we look for the best in each students.  I truly think there are remarkable things in every student.  Unfortunately, there is a high rate of transience in my school, and I don't always get to know the students as well as I would like.  The girl who did this project is so quiet, and keeps to herself, but WOW, she really stood out in with this picture.  I just love the details and creativity in each pattern (especially the flowered hills).  I guess it goes to show you never know what project will resonate with a student, and really make them stand out and get noticed.

More Patterned Landscapes

I just love these, and to the kiddos, the bleeding tissue is magic when they shake of the dried off pieces to see the colors.  I was pleased with this group's use of patterns, as well as their ability to sort the warm and cool colors.  Makes me think maybe I'm teaching them something after all :)

New (Free) Art Supplies!

My goal this year was to begin using Artsonia, not just as a display for my awesome students' work, but as a communication tool for my parents and I.  I have been uploading artwork for all students, good or bad, so that the parents have a digital portfolio of their student's progress in art.  It also helped on parent conference day to be able to refer to a student's work.  Because, if you are like me, by the time report cards go home, I have looked at a dizzying thousand or two pieces of artwork, and sent it home for the students to enjoy.  Artsonia ran a Fall Art Drive, where your goal was to submit 300 works of art by a specified date.  You could be entered more than once, if you uploaded more.  And, I was a really lucky art teacher to have won a $300 gift card to Dick Blick Art Supplies.    I was able to purchase  a few of those "extras" that I normally would put at the bottom of my list, because other things were more important.  I also took the advice of my Kindergarten students and bought new glue bottles for the new art room.  But, before they use them, I'm gonna break out the vaseline in hopes of reducing clogs.  I would like to give a shout-out to Dick Blick for their generous support of Artsonia's effort to involve families in their student's artwork.  And, if you haven't visited Artsonia, may I suggest that you do?  Even if not to upload work, there are lesson plans, and lots of great ideas.  To visit my Artsonia. click the link on the left.

Landscapes

The second graders looked at the work of Hockney and Woods, and created a drawing using hills as the foreground.  Each hill had to have a different line design or pattern.  They could add whatever details they wanted in the distance on the horizon line.  After tracing all the lines with a sharpie (which was a lotta work), students sprayed their paper with water, and laid tissue paper on top.  The tissue bled onto the picture, leaving a delightful watercolor effect.  I encouraged students to use hot colors on one side, and cool on another, but that wasn't so easy, when the colors began to bleed.  I think they turned out great, and will have to post some more as they get finished.

Narrative Drawing

So, my 4th graders are looking at Storytelling as their enduring theme for this 9 weeks.  One of their first requirements in the curriculum is a Narrative Drawing.  I had a bowl of Nouns, a bowl of Verbs, a bowl of Prepositions and a bowl of places.  Each student pair picked one from each bowl, and worked together to create a spooky sentence from their chosen words.  They could add whatever words they wanted, but they had to use the words I gave them.  We looked at the Disney Villains, and discussed the importance of details when creating a picture that tells a story, and then they sketched.  To complete their drawing, they used overhead film and permanent markers in order to create a more cartoon like effect.