Alexander Calder Mobiles 4th grade

 4th graders watched a power point presentation my intern teacher put together for them.  They learned about Calder, mobiles and geometric and organic shapes. 

 First, students painted 6 to 8 shapes on tag board.  This was a challenge for them because we asked them to do abstract shapes and it was hard for them to let go of wanting their shapes to look like something.

 As the shapes dried, the 4th grade painters added patterns on top of the shape after seeing a slide of many pattern ideas.
We are very excited about the beautiful shapes and patterns the kids created.

Next step: Gluing shapes onto shiny paper so the back of shapes will reflect as they spin.
After cutting out shapes and punching holes into each one we were ready to build our hanging sculptures.


 We used some donated plastic sticks and wire to create our mobiles. This was a great experience for our 4th graders. They discovered that building 3 dimensional art pieces can be difficult and patience is required. As they worked to balance the mobile, they compared it to science experiments dealing with balance. When finished, they were very pleased with the results.

Winter Cabin Project 2nd grade

 

This project is available at Art with Mrs. Smith  blog. The only change I made was to have the kids sponge paint instead of using fingers because of the time it takes for everyone to wash their hands.  A sponge in the end of a clothes pin worked just fine for the snowy picture.  The 2nd graders loved learning how to draw a 3 dimensional cabin!

ELEMENTS OF ART heart

For the classes that came to Art on Valentine's Day, a heart full of the Elements of Art.


We traced a large heart onto white drawing paper and divided it into sections, one for each element.
Using sharpie markers, crayons and a textured item  students were given ideas about how to show each Element of Art.
For value we demonstrated how to shade, and for texture  we gave them a choice of a texture to glue into place. 
The students loved the challenge and the hearts turned out very.... artistic!

Peacock Paintings 1st grade

This tempera painting lesson can be found on Deep Space Sparkle. Lots of fine motor used for the lines and circles! Great for skill building with my 1st grade classes.

Circular Pattern Design 2nd grade

For this project our 2nd graders cut a circle out of black 12 x 18" construction paper. Then we helped them put a dot in the center of the circle with a pencil.

Using one oil pastel we drew a small shape right on the dot! Then we chose two different oil pastels and created a small pattern around the center shape.
We changed colors again and made a 2nd pattern around the center.  They continued to create tiny patterns around the center with oil pastels until they reached the outside of the paper.  We emphasized using colors over again, keeping it small and neat, and taking their time to do their best circular patterns.

As a finishing touch the students were allowed to put a small amount of glitter glue into their patterns and I hot glued a glass jewel in the center.  These are delicate, intricate and very lovely. The 2nd graders are always so proud of their beautiful designs when done.

More Group Work Pictures

We have been so pleased with how well the students are working in groups on their horses. We had to change a few group members in order to help them stay on task, but overall they have done a wonderful job of helping each other and giving each other positive reinforcement. 

Adding small details

Choosing just the right color of blue!

A pony with a forest scene, can't wait to see it finished.

The time commitment for this project will be about 7 (40 minute) Art periods, but I believe the results will be well worth it! Also, since collaborative group work is an area of emphasis in my district, the experience the students are gaining makes it worth the length of the project.   I will post finished pictures of ponies when they are completed.

Painted Ponies Part 2 Collaborative Groups

Using donated cardboard, my intern teacher and I cut out 6 cardboard horse shapes for each 5th grade class, a total of 36 horses.  They were approximately 18 to 22 inches high and about 25 inches long. We painted them white on both sides to prep them for the groups.
When we explained to the students that they would be transferring the paper design onto the cardboard, painting in groups to complete their pony and then displaying the horses thru the Later Elementary in our own Trail of Painted Ponies, they were thrilled!

GROUP WORK

 

1) The designer drew onto cardboard, enlarging design to fit larger horse. Both sides of cardboard were designed.

2) While this was going on, group members helped draw if needed and a few painted the stands that will hold horses up.

3) When ready, all students painted on their horses with the lead artist making final color decisions and showing where the colors were to be painted.