Truth

Today was "Cuddle Up with a Book" day at my school for part of Read Me week- I couldn't resist snapping a picture of these adorable PJ's, as she was standing directly outside the art room.  She told me that they do not come in "Art Teacher" size, so I guess I'll have to live with the memory.

Home Sweet Home

Since Mr. E posted his Clay Facade project in progress, I figured I'd post my results.  I give the kiddos a pre-sized paper, usually about 6x9.  They draw a house (using lots of my pictures from my files to avoid the typical square house/triangle roof).  Then, I have them cut out their picture and use it as a stencil, placing it directly on top of their slab and cutting around it.  They often make changes as they build from clay, but it gives a good starting point.  And, it holds them slightly accountable to the design they chose.  On a side note- I keep the "stencils" until all classes have created their facades in case someone in another class was sick on the day we drew houses- this allows them to catch up quickly, and I find that they still make changes, and personalize the house to their taste.

I cannot say enough about Mayco "Stroke N Coate" glazes.  It has the clearcoat in it, the colors are bright, and a little goes a long way.  I only glaze a choice few projects with 2-4th grades.

I pulled examples of colonial homes, since the students were/are discussing Paul Revere in Social Studies. Some caught on, others, well, not so much.  Either way, good texture on the roof, and nice even glazing.

Recycling

Don't know why it took me until this year to come to this idea, but here it is.  I just completed 3 different printmaking projects, 2 of which were incised (drawn into Styrofoam trays).  So, once the kiddos ink away, I'm left with 120 or so styrofoam trays which can either be sent home (why?) or tossed (sad).  So, I kept em.  I knew that I had some glazing and painting coming up, and thought I could just used the trays one more time before they meet the trash can.  It works well, but the advice I'll give is that you may want to tell the kids not to scrape their paintbrush around on the tray (picking up residue from the ink).

I use Mayco Wonderglazes-they have the clear coat in them, and the colors really turn out well.

Why Kindergarten is Awesome!

I love my kindergarten students. Yes, they have the attention span of a gnat, and it's kinda like herding cats or goldfish most days, but they are so easy to please.  Today, we "dunked" our clay textured heart pendants, and strung them on a rainbow shoelace. (I discovered years ago that a bucket or two of acrylic paint with a lot of water allows many to add color quickly.  With the older kids, we dip first, then add details later, but for this project, dipping adds the splash of color needed).  To add a little bling, we strung a few beads on either side of the heart.  I mentioned that they might want to create a pattern, but they were so stinkin' excited to get their little fingers on my beads, that they could not concentrate on a pattern.  And THAT is why Kindergarten is awesome.  A shoestring and a box of beads, and they were in heaven- they strung away, until I cut them off, so that we'd have time to tie the ends all up.  The "Meat" of the lesson was a focus on texture, and basic clay techniques.  We made small slabs, and experimented with a variety of objects to create texture.  I cut out a heart from each one's slab, and then they used some of their left over clay to roll a coil, and create their initial, which we attached to the heart.  I poked holes, and fired, and well, you know the rest! 

Order Up!

I showed remarkable restraint by leaving the boxes right where the custodian left 'em, and not opening them during class.  I was dying to open them up today, but it was far to busy and there was no spare time.  However, the big pile o' boxes made for an interesting discussion about real life math application/skills and budgeting with the 4th graders.  Maybe tomorrow morning I'll get a chance to crack open the boxes and take a peek.  Now- I only have to remember that a lot of this order will get me started next year...

Primary/Geometric Birds

Birds are OVER, clouds are UNDER the wire.

Clouds are Organic, while birds are Geometric

The kiddos had not used the feathers, and were delighted with the chance.

I came across a lesson on Pinterest which used geometric shapes to make "birds".  It was just cute enough to try with the Kindergarten Crew.  It gave me the opportunity to review Primary/Secondary colors, as well as introduce Geometric/Organic shapes.  It involved so much opportunity for vocabulary, that it is a new favorite in my book.  I read a Bird Book to inspire us, which reviewed the concept of Near and Far.  We were able to discuss contrast, in the context of using a variety of colors- red beaks on red birds just don't show up.  And, Over/Under also came up too.  Such a fun little lesson, packed with so much good art information.  Little details like the wiggle eyes and the feathers encouraged the kiddos to stay focused and continue on even when a little tuckered out.  I am pleased with the results, and  I will be showcasing them in our upcoming Art Show.