3rd Grade: Angry Birds

In 3rd grade we discussed the score and slip clay construction method.  Then after a demonstration, I let the students choose which angry bird they wanted to construct, using a circle stencil to start off with.  

After firing, we painted them with watercolors, which was much easier than normal glaze.

4th Grade: Weavings

The 4th graders discussed the Navajo people, including where they are from and some basic information about their culture, specifically their weavings.  We then watched a few YouTube videos showing right and wrong ways to create a weaving.  And after discussing what a loom, warp, and weft were, they set off to start off their creation.  

After I demonstrated how to create a cardboard loom, I instructed them to create an even number of strings in the warp, preferably 6 or 8, using thin string.  They then picked out different colors or roving.  

A few tips I have to emphasize a few times: Leave a 6 inch tail for each new color, always weave the opposite of what you just did (over and under, over and under).  On the final day, I made the mistake of allowing the first class to take their weaving entirely off the cardboard loom before tying, which led to weft strings falling off the warp.  The next class I instructed them to remove, cut and tie one warp sting at a time.  This solved the problem of escaping weft strings! Lastly they trimmed and tucked in any remaining "tails." 

2nd Grade: Crazy Creatures

The 2nd graders were taught how to create a pinch pot as well as the "score" and "slip" construction method.  After they created their pinch pots, I allowed them to make their creature as crazy as they liked. It was exciting to see the variation!

Kindergarten: Ladybugs

In Kindergarten we read Eric Carle's The Grouchy Ladybug.  We then discussed collage. 

This was a 2 part project. First, the kids worked on creating their background, including adding a sun, cloud, and grass.  The next time we met, we made our ladybugs. 

3rd Grade: Architecture

In 3rd grade we discussed what architecture is and what architects are, including blue plans and floor plans.  We watched a few YouTube videos and then had the kids become their own architect for their dream house.  After cutting out their blue house and pasting it onto gray paper, they used black and white material to draw a city scape in the background. 

I encouraged the kids to be as creative as they wanted, even if that meant putting a water park in the middle of their house!

Mural

I was asked to help the 5th grade girl scouts paint a mural in the school cafeteria.  Plans started evolving in November but paint finally got on the walls in April.  I finished up some cleanup work about a week later. It's excited to see the finished product after the long planning and painting process!

3rd Grade: Robots

In 3rd grade we discussed the different functions of robots (for fun, the military, for manufacturing, etc).  We watched a YouTube video of some of the recent technological developments. 

To create the robots, they used tempera paint to create their background.  Once dry, they used cardboard, glue, and tempera paint to construct the robots.  They then added additional details using chalk and oil pastels.  I gave them the freedom to make as many robots as they wanted, however they desired. 

2nd Grade: Angry Birds

In 2nd grade, we discussed anger. First, is it ok to get angry? The answer: yes.  The next question: what are good and bad ways to show our anger? We did role playing and learned that bad ways to show our anger is through pouting, throwing things or hitting, and yelling, but good ways are to calmly use our words and politely ask for what we need. 

We then started our project. I allowed the students to choose which angry bird they wanted, so long as it was a circle angry bird (either red bird, blue bird, black bird, the piggie, but not yellow bird).  Each 2nd grader used a paper plate, cardboard, scissors, and tape to construct their own angry bird. After 2 coats of paper mache (I emphasized to cover the entire plate and to wrap the paper around the edges), they used tempera to paint their birds. This was one of their favorite projects!

Kindergarten: Tissue Paper Flowers

In Kindergarten, we discussed how to draw a flower, then brainstormed different items to add to our scene, such as a sun, rainbow, insects, and grass.  They used crayon and white colored pencils on blue paper to draw their pictures. They discovered that lighter colors came out brighter on the blue paper. 

The next day, I demonstrated how to apply tissue paper, emphasizing not to use too much glue ("just a drop, not a lot").  They used the back of a crayon and liquid glue to decorate their flowers.

1st Grade: Laurel Burch Cats

In first grade, we watched a YouTube video about Laurel Burch, then discussed her life struggle with sickness and breaking bones, and the color she used in her artwork. 

After doing a step-by-step drawing of a basic cat, they used black oil pastel to outline, then crayon to create fun designs.  After I instructed them to paint their cats with crazy and bold colors using watercolor, they cut out their cats, glued them on either maroon or blue paper, then used chalk to decorate the background.  They enjoyed experimenting mixing and blending the different chalks. 

4th Grade: Coil Pots

In 4th grade, we discussed the coil pot technique and score and slip.  I originally wanted them to make mugs, but then decided to let them choose what vessel, based on interest and ability level. The students liked the freedom and it was fun seeing the variation. 

A few of the common problems that needed addressing: bases that were too large (for the 2nd class I used smaller circle stencils) or rolled to thin, adding too much water so that the clay became weak, and working with a piece of clay too long so that it dried out and became unusable. The clean up process was very important to master; because this project spanned over several weeks, they had to be certain that they properly put away their projects to avoid drying.  

The great part about have 2 sections is that I got to learn from my mistakes and learn which things to emphasize such that my students could be as successful as possible! 

1st Grade: Fossils

In first grade we watched a YouTube video about fossils and then discussed what fossils were and how they are formed.  I then demonstrated how to create a fossil using clay and a "stamp" (plastic foliage or shells). They got to work but I quickly found out that the little ones needed an extra reminder not to make their clay too thin! Finally, they punched a hole at the top to later string through.

Kindergarten: Pinch Pots

In Kindergarten, we discussed how to create pinch pots. I also showed them a few examples. After practicing first using playdough, they created their pinch pots using real clay, then created fun textures using a scratch tool.  After a few weeks of drying time and an official kiln firing, the kids got to choose which color glaze they wanted (but being sure not to paint the bottom of the pinch pot!).  The results were quite fun!

Youth Art Month Art Exhibit

In celebration of Youth Art Month, the Greenfield Public Library hosted an art exhibit from March through April.  I selected several 3D projects from grades 3-5 to be displayed.