First, I cut hundreds of "looms" in a variety of colors. Now I know that this paper is not technically a "loom", but I want my students to begin thinking about it as the frame that holds the weaving together. To cut these looms, I stack 4 sheets of 10" x 12" paper and fold them in half (like you would if you were making a book). I use a ruler to make a line 1" down from the open edge of the stack. Then I take the paper to the paper cutter and cut each stack 9 times (1" apart), cutting through the folded end and stopping at the ruler line. You might be thinking "Why 10"x12"? That seems wasteful when paper comes in 12"x18" sheets!" Well, I take the leftovers and slice them all into 1" strips that become the weft for the weaving. There is less waste on those 12" long strips when they are weaving the width of 10" as opposed to 9". Lastly, when students complete their first step of weaving, they then get to use "fancy scissors" where they cut extra strips in half vertically and slide them into their weaving either vertically or horizontally (or both!)
First graders started the year by designing buildings with basic shapes. I brought in Duplos and Legos for the students to dip in black paint and print on white paper. After the building was complete (and dry), students used crayons to add color and details. We then read the story "Iggy Peck, Architect" to learn more about what an architect is. After the lego printmaking project, students learned how to weave with strips of paper. I showed my friend some pictures of this project and she was totally confused by how it all came together, so I think I will share.
First, I cut hundreds of "looms" in a variety of colors. Now I know that this paper is not technically a "loom", but I want my students to begin thinking about it as the frame that holds the weaving together. To cut these looms, I stack 4 sheets of 10" x 12" paper and fold them in half (like you would if you were making a book). I use a ruler to make a line 1" down from the open edge of the stack. Then I take the paper to the paper cutter and cut each stack 9 times (1" apart), cutting through the folded end and stopping at the ruler line. You might be thinking "Why 10"x12"? That seems wasteful when paper comes in 12"x18" sheets!" Well, I take the leftovers and slice them all into 1" strips that become the weft for the weaving. There is less waste on those 12" long strips when they are weaving the width of 10" as opposed to 9". Lastly, when students complete their first step of weaving, they then get to use "fancy scissors" where they cut extra strips in half vertically and slide them into their weaving either vertically or horizontally (or both!)
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Kindergarten has now completed their first two art lessons at Wilson Creek! We started the year off by talking about lines. As in the past, I read "Lines That Wiggle" to the kids and then we practiced drawing a variety of lines. Students then used their paper filled with lines to start assembling their very own line monsters like we saw in the book. Googley eyes that were donated to the classroom were the perfect finishing touch! Following this lesson, we jumped right into reflective landscapes. This was a great opportunity to talk with the students about proper painting technique and how to keep our paint materials looking brand-new all year. Mrs. Bellinger and I ordered brand new Royal paint brushes this year and are doing our best to keep the supply looking nice. At this point, my kindergarteners are washing their paint brushes better than my Anna McDonald students! Students used folded paper to paint a fall scene in front of a lake. With this lesson, students learned the vocabulary "landscape","reflection", and "balance".
After such a gorgeous summer, it was a bit hard to get into "school mode". It always seems so bittersweet. Although we don't want to stop going to the pool and having late night cook-outs, the time always comes when we have to say "good-bye" to summer. The great news is we have so much to look forward to in the art department! I am happy to welcome Ms. Kim Bellinger as the new Jr. High art teacher. She will also teach most sections of 4th and 5th grade at Anna McDonald. She is in the process of starting a blog for her classes, and I can't wait for her to show you what they will be working on! Also, thanks to our Square 1 Art fundraisers, Anna McDonald, as well the Jr. High, will receive brand new tables for the art room. These should arrive next week. I will definitely post photos! :) So at Anna McDonald, students creating painted paper on their first art class. This painted paper then became community materials for all grade levels to create decorations for their music performances. Third grade was given the task of working in groups to create giant paper flowers. Constructing a flower included many steps and required many hands. Group activities have proven to be great first week lessons in the past, so I thought I would try it out. These kids worked so well in their groups, and it really shows! I can't wait to see their flowers on display for their November music performance!
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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
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