3rd graders are super excited to learn about Joan Miro, a Spanish abstract artist. His celestial shapes, lines, and primary colors were the perfect ingredients to cook up an outer-space roadmap! Students designed an abstract map by using Joan Miro's technique of filled in lines and half-filled shapes, and drew tracks to lead them to celestial bodies. Such a fun way to analyze shape, line, color, form, then critically think to create a unique solution given a designated theme.

What started as a 1st grade EXSTREAM lesson on the continent of Asia, and the country of India, turned into a wide-scale lesson across grade levels. Several grades participated in making a henna hand, or otherwise known as mehndi. Many, many students told me it was their favorite project of the year! The students learn about mehndi originating from ancient India as a form of traditional body art, which is used in celebrations! Many Heathrow students then tell me about their experiences receiving henna at weddings, parties, and during holidays--I even had a student bring me in a henna applicator! Students learn that henna is made from the henna plant, and that it is a paste that dyes the skin. We are in the zone on this one! Enjoy!

In preparation for our Spring Art Show on April 11th (which includes about 450 students' artworks!), I have made a Signup! for Dividends and volunteers who can offer their time during the day, after school, or during/after the event.

Would you like to Dividend to help prepare the art show?
Specific jobs/dates are listed on the Signup below:

http://signup.com/go/g2VrHV

Thanks so much, all! :-)

-Ms Juaristi

3rd, 4th, & 5th graders in select classes worked on collages last week! After viewing Rex Ray's artwork full of painterly textures and organic, blob-like shapes, we created painted papers full of vibrant color. Then, once dried, we used those, regular construction papers, and neon card stock to practice drawing and cutting (that is the tricky part!) organic shapes. We also discussed the differences among geometric, man-made shapes we use often in math and in construction versus organic, nature-made shapes.