"Art Cycles" was all about learning natural life-cycles through artwork. We studied seed and frog life-cycles and created clay pieces as well as collage paintings!
Kindergarteners and 1st graders were introduced to Robert Indiana, artist of the well-known "Love" sculpture in Philadelphia. We discussed 3D/sculpture versus 2D art pieces, and why we thought Indiana created such a large, bright display of love. We then brainstormed 4-letter words on "something you want everyone in the world to have." First graders brainstormed 4-letter rainforest words. Students then were taught how to use rulers to make a 4-square grid, and use their rulers to create bubble letters. Love was a common "thing we want everyone to have," but other heart-felt messages included "beds, safe(for safety), toys, home, arts, sing(for singing), pets, food, kind(for kindness), hugs.
Kindergarteners are learning more and more how art can send a message beyond the paper, canvas, or artwork--a vital critical thinking skill that enhances their ability to analyze images and the world around them. Some final "Little Owl" collages by our Kindergarteners!
We read "Little Owl" by Divya Srinivasan, then discussed the definition of a collage (an artwork made with cut paper or bits of fiber/ephemera). We then practiced with our own hands to draw geometric shapes and cut them out. We then practiced spatial understanding to overlap collage papers and glue them in order. Don't forget!
Many students have received an entry form from myself in the art room, but if they have lost it or did not receive one, you can print one out from the Heathrow Elementary School Facebook page, or have your little one come visit me in the art room. Students are to draw a picture using crayon, colored pencil, or marker of marching bands, parade floats, and Florida Citrus/college football themed images. I will submit their entries for them. The contest entries are due to me by October 26th! Last year, we had 8 finalists in the Top 25 of this contest! Finalists go to a dessert reception, and the winner of the contest gets to ride in the Florida Citrus parade atop a float, as well as getting their artwork on the cover of the parade program! All grade levels can participate in this drawing contest. Kindergarteners have been hard at work using their cutting skills to make "Little Owl" collages! We read "Little Owl" by Divya Srinivasan, then discussed the definition of a collage (an artwork made with cut paper or bits of fiber/ephemera). We then practiced with our own hands to draw geometric shapes and cut them out. Next step: glue!
Stay tuned for our final products! With some of our 4th and 3rd grade students, we have been discussing meaning in art. Developing meaning through imagery creates an understanding that art is a visual language.
We read "A Boy and a Jaguar," a story about a boy with a stuttering problem who finds his voice by helping animals. The animals helped him and he helps the animals; we discussed this reciprocal relationship as a class, and then shared personal stories of an animal that we had a connection with or had helped us in some way. Student artwork reflecting a portrait of their chosen animal and sentences explaining their connection were insightful, emotional, and beautiful. Later, students will use watercolor paints to color their personal stories! Our Kindergarten and 1st grades weren't left out of the symmetry fun! We discussed many examples of symmetry in our lives, read "Waiting for Wings" by Lois Ehlert, and drew large symmetrical butterflies. We used oil pastel, watercolors, and colored pastels to design our beautiful butterflies!
If you have never been to the art room at Heathrow, I thought I'd share my colorful room! Students come into the room and sit on the carpet daily for direct instruction, demonstrations, and discussions. Students then move onto their tables to work independently. This year, I am so grateful that we have received new, beautiful art studio tables and stools! The room looks fresh and bright, and the kids have ample room for large projects! Welcome!
3rd & 4th grades focused on pirahnas for their rainforest-themed symmetry lesson. We discussed how fish are symmetrical on both sides, and delved into creating 3D replicas of pirahnas (with some imaginative scales and colors). We drew, traced, cut, painted, stuffed, stapled, hole-punched, and finally could hang our pirahnas with yarn to make a floating school of fish!
Our 5th, 3rd, and 1st grade classes are focusing more and more on our Spring art show theme: the rainforest! 3rd graders began giant watercolor reproductions of jungle leaves. We began by sketching out our leaves and veins as large as we could with pencil, then traced with oil pastel. We then began painting our jungle leaves either warm colors or cool colors. We will then paint the background of our papers the opposite set of colors (ex: warm leaf, cool background). Stay tuned!
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Art @ Heathrow
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