Art cannot be easily defined because it encompasses so much of life. So...I gave that challenge to my second graders! They were required to finish this sentence: "Art is...". I let them know that this was their last project at Wilson Creek, and that I would hold on to these drawings forever. It is nice having something to hang up in the display cases over summer break. I also laminate some of these every year and hang them as artwork for my classroom. The students always like to see what former Wilson Creek students have to say about art!
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Considering this was the first time using papier mache for most of my 5th grade students, I am so proud of how well they did! Inspired by Phyl (the papier mache lady), I had my 5th grade class (Dolezal) create life-sized sculptures of cats and dogs. This project took 5 classes to complete (and trust me, the students would have used more time to work on these if it was possible - they really got into it!) We used Jewel bags filled with newspaper, paper towel rolls, ping-pong balls, and a lot of masking tape! What is more adorable than a dog with one ear up? Check out the accessories on this cat!!!! This cat is sporting some awesome patterns AND a mustache. :)
Third graders started this project by looking at images of real Aboriginal paintings to inspire poetic writing. They then chose an animal tracer to begin their own artwork. I am generally opposed to having anyone beyond Kindergartners use tracers, but I feel that this project is different since the focus is definitely placed on color and pattern choices. It also gives everyone a good foundation and a quick start. Students then chose how to fill out their negative space with dots. The dots were created by dipping colored pencils into tempera paint. Once that was done, they were free to fill their animal with color however they chose.
Kindergartners were introduced to artwork created by my favorite artist, Andy Warhol. We looked at many of his series. Marilynn, Campbell's cans, Coca Cola bottles, and Mickey Mouse. I also pointed out how five of the books in our art library have his artwork in them. He is just such a fun artist to cover with the little ones! Students created their own pop art by arranging and gluing square papers and hand shaped papers. I then assisted them as they used tempera paint to make hand prints on top. Tip: adding a bit of Dawn soap to tempera paint makes it soooo much easier to clean off if you are having kids cover their hands (or even feet) in it!
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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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