Abstract Surprises

I was supposed to teach my 3rd graders about abstract art this 9 weeks.  It was supposed to involve paint.  And, I don't know- maybe it was their behavior (not very motivated, sassy a lot of the time, and  downright mean sometimes) or, the end of the year crazies- I just couldn't focus in on a project that I wanted to go the distance with.  I gave each student a piece of sturdy paper, and the cheap masking tape that doesn't stick to anything.  I instructed them to create a flower, or growth out of tape on their paper.  Then, we sponged watercolors over it, and removed the tape (after talking about resist).  Of course, when the tape was removed, the shape left behind was not exactly what they intended (positive/negative space discussion).  I gave markers out, and had them fill in the white space with designs and patterns.  I think they turned out pretty cool, and I am wondering if maybe this project has a place in my future plans-

It's a Jungle in 3rd Grade

Continuing the garden type theme for the art show this year, I did   Jungles with 3rd grade.  We went to the link, we played the interactive (click on the link- NGA has some amazing interactives for art students) on the smart board, and we talked about Matisse.  Then, we began with the sky, and began to build up the jungle.  I taught how to make things "pop out" by using spacers behind, folding, or rolling, and we had an animal day as well, for which I broke out the watercolors and sharpies.  I think the results were good, however I am not sure the idea of overgrowth translated, despite my rallying cry that "no one mows the lawn in the jungle!  Ah well, they are pretty cute.  I  took the students to the computer lab and had them write a response to a couple of questions as an "artist statement" because I feel at the art show especially, that I increasingly need to show the correlation between art and the other subject areas.   Anyway- here's the sneak peek!

Animal Prints/Cupcake Prints

After the gluing, pre-printing

This student moved, but I used his plate as an example, and sent his print to the new school.

Creative Drying Space

Many students thought of an animal that could utilize a hole puncher.

Cupcakes everywhere

I have 2 printmaking classes going at once.  Not sure if it's a rookie mistake that I should have known to avoid, or if it's the crashing of the curriculum.  I see my kids every 3 days, so I'm sure the other teachers in the district who only see their students once a week are pacing their lessons differently.  Nonetheless, we are having a fabulous messy time in the new art room-and I've had to get a little creative to find the space for prints to dry.  My 1st graders have been working on "Humor" and using the work of Thiebaud as their inspiration, so we made cupcake prints by carving into Styrofoam.  The 3rd graders have been looking using animals as our inspiration. Their theme this 9 weeks has been Journey-I am trying to encourage them to learn from their mistakes, and push themselves to be their best, despite their perceived limitations.  We've been looking at Monet and Van Gogh, along with other artists.  They created collograph printing plates by cutting and gluing tag board.  I always try to have the students spread a thin layer of glue with their finger over the collograph plates, as I think it helps the pieces stick, and it provides a smoother surface for the ink.  I think the 3rd graders made some great animals. 

Masks- 3rds grade

OK, so Dias de los Muertas was a while ago, I know.  But, due to construction, and me being gullible enough to believe the workers when they say 1 week, I did not have a kiln to fire in.  I finally packed them all up and took them to "the Grove" (thanks Mr. E) for firing.  The kids were delighted to get the chance to paint them today, and it's so close to the holidays, I am happy with anything that keeps the masses happy, and busy.  So, here are a few.

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)

Picassos in the making?

It's the end of the year, I'm looking for some fun, along with a way to review skills, make sure the kiddos are ready for the next year, etc.  So, here is my take on a Cubist-Self Portrait-Tints and Shades kinda thing.  Not so sure today's class truly did their best, but Spring has sprung here in Hermitage, the bulldozers are blazing outside (to me, it's the melodious sound of a new art room a'comin) and the fact that we FINISHED them speaks volumes. :) I had each student draw a simple head and shoulders self portrait, and break it up with some lines.  I gave each student a paper plate with black, white, and their favorite color.  Their mission was to create as many versions of their favorite color as possible.  The green one has great potential, if I can get him to finish painting in his black lines.  He kinda lost focus today.

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.

When in Rome....

We have had an unusual amount of both snow, and snow days here in Nashville.  I decided to roll with it, and have my 3rd graders make simple line drawings of winter landscapes.  They had to use size and placement to show Foreground, Middle Ground and Background.  Then, we carved them into foam trays, and pulled prints.  I chose white ink, with dark paper to not only give a wintry feel to the prints, but to review the idea of Contrast with the class.  I think they turned out great and because we kept it simple, we had time to focus on the printmaking process, so that we got clear, bright prints.

Masks-3rd grade

I LOOOOVE the 3rd grade mask unit. Even the most hesitant artist finds themselves kinda into the masks. They are so expressive, and even the ugly ones are kinda cute. We made a paper echo mask (functional) and a clay mask (decorative). This unit is not only fun, it forces students to review a lot of their previously taught skills, and is a great way for me to talk about contrast of colors with them.

3rd Grade-Real/Abstract

Each 3rd grader had to make 4 paintings or drawings. One realistic, and 3 abstract in some way. They chose their realistic, and their best abstract to turn in. This allowed some personal choice, and some criticism skills to enter into the lesson. We looked at Christo, Picasso, Warhol, Duchamp and Franz Marc to see a wide span of abstract art.

3rd grade- the struggle continues

The third grade and I are struggling with craftsmanship. It is frustrating because I try to encourage them to take pride in their work, but when they decide to be done, they are just, well.... done. They won't put any more effort in, and worse yet, they seem to "tank" a reasonable art effort. So, my first project was an Olympic Mola Collage. It worked for some, but some were just not up to par. One of my classes was given the opportunity to paint a red and blue background, and put a silhouette of an Olympic trick over the top. I then asked each student to pick their best effort, and complete it as best they could. I'm still not over the moon, but, it's a lot better than it was.