3rd Grade: Wintery Scene

This was our winter project.  On the first day, the 3rd graders used white tempera paint to create their snowy ground and snowflakes on blue paper.  Then they cut out triangles on the same blue paper and glued colored tissue paper to it.  On the final day they glued the colorful trees to their wintery background.

 

3rd Grade: Maps

 In 3rd grade we discussed the different elements of a map, including map keys and various symbols (this lesson corresponded with the lesson plans of their homeroom class).  

They then used a permanent black marker to draw their map and chalk pastels to color it.  I demonstrated how to create gradients and left it as a challenge for students who wanted to give it a try.

3rd Grade: Foreground, Middle Ground, Background Space Pictures

 The 3rd graders discussed foreground, middle ground, and background. 

Then they used black oil pastel to draw a space image.  I walked around the classroom asking kids what was the foreground, middle ground, and background in their picture.  

They then used watercolor and salt to create a unique effect.

3rd Grade: Asymmetrical Picasso Faces

After our lesson on symmetry, the 3rd graders then discussed asymmetry (one side is not the same as the other).  To demonstrate this point, I asked for a volunteer and held a vertical ruler again his/her face and asked if his/her face was symmetrical.  After the class agreed, I stuck some colored tape on one side of his/her face and then asked the class if his/her face was symmetrical.  
We then discussed Pablo Picasso, specially how he used interesting colors and shapes to make abstract pictures. 
The first day the kids created their background using watercolors.  I instructed the kids to create as many crazy lines and shapes as possible.  The next day the kids drew 3 asymmetrical funny faces, colored them with colored pencil, cut them out, and glued them to their watercolor background.

3rd Grade: Symmetry Bugs

The 3rd graders learned about symmetry, specifically line symmetry and the line of symmetry.  

Then we folded forest green paper in half and I instructed the kids to use a white oil pastel to draw only half of a bug on one side of the fold.  Once finished, the kids folded the paper over and rubbed the back in order to transfer the image to the blank half of paper. Then they colored in the rest using other colored oil pastels.

2nd Grade: Paper Sculptures

This was probably one of my favorite projects in 2nd grade. We first learned about primary and secondary colors, specifically how to create orange, purple, and green using red, yellow, and blue.  I directed the kids to use a black permanent marker to fill their paper with various lines and shapes.  Then, using a paint palette and only red, yellow, and blue tempera paint, I allowed the kids to experiment mixing colors.  Once dry, I demonstrated a few techniques for creating 3D effects with paper and a glue stick.  The challenge: create a paper box!

Yes, I did go picture happy with this post, but the kids' art products were too amazing not to show off. 

2nd Grade: Gradients and Birch Trees

 We first discussed birch trees and their unique appearance, followed by the definition of a gradient in art. 

The 2nd graders first used masking tape to create 4-5 trees.  Then I instructed them to get their entire sheet of paper wet, use red watercolor for the bottom third, orange for the next third, and yellow for the top 1/3, emphasizing the importance of using plenty of water to mix the colors. 

Once dry, the kids carefully ripped off the tape, used black oil pastels to create the characteristic birch tree markings, and white paint for a wintery scene.