Bird Masks

While the kindergarten students are looking at Jim Dine's Heart series, my 2nd graders' art is for the birds.  We began by looking at a selection of works by Audubon, and discussing structure in nature.  This worked well, because it just so happened that some of the 2nd graders are working on a bird research unit in the library.  After getting our bird on we moved  to bird masks.  An oldie but a goodie- I teach it most years.  This year, we put a collage twist on with the decorating.  I got out gel markers, the scrap box, feathers and sequins.  I asked them to try more than one method of embellishment, and to keep the idea of symmetry in mind.  Other than the fact that my room looks like a bird exploded, we had a great time, with some great results.  Can't wait to see the kids model them tomorrow :)

Name Monsters

I love pinterest, and I also am really loving Artsonia, the more and more I use it.  I came accross this project and decided it would be a great project for my 2nd graders.  We have a bit of time left over before the new  9 weeks starts, and we were able to practice cutting, gluing and craftsmanship, while also learning about symmetry.  Plus, my kids are already thinking Halloween, so monsters got their attention.  Basically, fold a paper the vertical, or long skinny way, and have students write their name so that the bottoms of the letters rest on the fold.  Then, students cut an outline around the shape of their name, creating a cool organic shape.  From there, the sky is the limit!

Spring Projects

Kindergarten"Bugs". We made symmetrical paintings by folding the paper while the paint was wet, and then after they were dry, we used our paper sculpting techniques to add the extra parts.

Bug drawings. We concentrated on making small things big. We used chalk to color.


Having noticed a bit of a lack of effort in our projects lately, I have increased my efforts to encourage complete projects, with the use of good craftsmanship. Some fun spring projects, paired with a renewed energy towards effort has resulted in some great work.