I have a gingerbread man ornament from my days in kindergarten (1991) that I still hang on the tree. I love that it has the year on it and can remind me of special memories from school. I hope that my students can hang their ornaments on their trees for many years to remind them of their experiences at Wilson Creek.
The clay ornament project has become a tradition for all students at Wilson Creek. It is so simple, yet the kids have looked forward to it for the past few years. I have a gingerbread man ornament from my days in kindergarten (1991) that I still hang on the tree. I love that it has the year on it and can remind me of special memories from school. I hope that my students can hang their ornaments on their trees for many years to remind them of their experiences at Wilson Creek. Although I love this project, it is a relief when I can send them all home and get some counter space back! Students pressed slabs out of self-hardening clay and then chose a cookie cutter to create their shape. Some students put textures and details into the clay while it was still wet. The following week, they used tempera to paint a base coat and details. I then sprayed them with Krylon (since tempera, although being cost effective and washable, does not leave an appealing finish) and strung them up.
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Three years ago, I found this collage project on Pinterest. Since then, I have seen so many variations of it online. I am not quite sure who to credit this lesson to, but I love it. Kindergartners used strips of colorful paper to "build" a triangle for their tree. Every project looks great. :)
As a kid, my favorite art projects were clay ones. Making things out of clay is physically engaging, therapeutic, and just fun! Mrs. Ambrosini and I share a passion for teaching ceramic lessons, and are hoping to use fundraising money to buy a kiln for Wilson Creek in the next few years. Having to transport the projects to Anna Mac's kiln poses many problems, so we generally stick to air dry clay for WiIson Creek.
For these botanical impressions, students patted out slabs of clay and pressed plants on top. We then used watered down tempera to sponge color on top. I used Krylon to give it a sealer. I love the way they turned out. Such fine details really showed up nicely. :) Kindergarteners were introduced to the concept of drawing from real life as they colored these apples. Each table had a few honeycrisp apples for students to examine. Students were asked to notice the colors and the blending of colors throughout. They then used oil pastels to try to replicate what they saw.
After last week's project, kindergartners are now familiar with the terms "landscape" (we defined as "a picture of outside"), and symmetry (we defined as "same on both sides"). They painted fall trees by a pond and created a reflection by folding their papers while they were wet. It was also a great opportunity to reinforce proper use of painting materials and paint clean-up.
STR Partners is the architectural firm that designed Wilson Creek. Every fall, our students participate in their holiday card contest. This year, the theme is "My Holiday Selfie". Looking at drawings (K-5), I definitely think we will have a few winners this year!
When students finish their assignment, they are asked to look at the "Check List" poster on the wall. This way the can make sure their project is "CREATIVE, NEAT, COLORFUL, AND COMPLETE". They can then use the remainder of class to clean up and work in the art stations. I am looking to incorporate new stations throughout the year, so if you have ideas, please let me know! :)
Kindergarteners spent last week covering abstract art. This week, we switched over to realism when we used a subject from real life: FALL LEAVES! So leaves have yet to change color outside, but with the Frankfort Fall Fest approaching this weekend, it feels like autumn is upon us.
Kindergarteners learned how to draw leaves by first tracing their hands. They then used water and tissue paper (as well as a little magic) to add color to their pictures. They turned out great! Kindergarteners were introduced to the art room as well as abstract art this week. We went over proper ways to use and clean up paint supplies. Students also viewed artwork by Wassily Kandinsky. While listening to music, they let their brushes "dance" on they paper. We then used different stamping gadgets to add black paint on top.
Kindergarteners are studying Eric Carle in their classrooms, so I decided to have them create one more collage inspired by his illustrations. We read "Tiny Seed" at the beginning of class and then students used scissors, glue, and the contents of the recycling bin to create these lovely artworks. :)
This is one of my favorite projects to teach. Kindergarteners used the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" as inspiration for this project. On the first week, students created large abstract paintings by using many different tools and gadgets. The color and texture on these are very neat when you get to look at them in person. Once the paper was dried, I cut it down in size and it became community paper for the collage the following week. "Symmetry" was highlighted as students cut and glued shapes together to make their very own butterflies.
Kindergarteners made tall ice cream cones. We talked about overlapping, adding details, and cross hatching. :)
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AuthorI am a K - 5th grade art teacher at Wilson Creek Elementary and Anna McDonald School in Manhattan, IL. I am also a mother of two little girls (who share my love of art)! Archives
February 2019
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