Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Kindergarten!!

Yes, I now teach kindergarten!!! The first rotation I teach Mrs. Momeni's classes. We started with this caterpillar project. I pre-cut a circle of each color in the rainbow for each student. We talked about proper use of glue sticks as they glued each circle one at a time in rainbow order. We then talked about what a pattern is and they drew various patterns using a black Crayola marker. Eyes were made with white crayon and black marker and a nose, mouth and feet were also added one at a time. Super cute!!

2nd grade Radial Symmetry

The 2nd graders are finishing up these really cool rotational hex designs. We talked about how these were first created by the Pennsylvania Dutch farmers. They created hex designs for good luck and hung them on the outside of their barns. Our circles have 6 sections hence the name "hex" designs We discussed what geometric shapes are and how in rotational symmetry a design would repeat around in a circle. They were outlined in black Sharpie and colored in with markers. I love how they are turning out!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

5th grade patterns

The 5th graders drew circles and ovals only. Some overlap and some don't. They needed to fill in each space with patterns and then color it in with patterns using markers. The challenge was drawing large and coloring neatly. Drawing too small and overlapping too much creates a confusing picture. When we draw large and clearly it is easier to color and looks better. Students were working on composition, pattern and design.

Monday, August 27, 2012

1st grade lines

The 1st graders learned about the direction in which lines can go: vertical, horizontal and diagonal. Then we talked about different kinds of lines like zig zag, curved,loopy,dotted and spiral. Students drew their lines neatly with crayons, even using white crayon to make some lines. Then they used watercolor paints to paint over everything. The white crayon "magically" appeared and the other crayons showed through the watercolor. Very cool!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

3rd grade shapes

We started the school year with a drawing that had only geometric shapes. We learned that a geometric shape is a shape with a name like a triangle, square, star, rectangle etc.. Their geometric shapes should overlap in some aces and they were encouraged to draw big! Then, we cored in with markers using the "lawn mower" technique. This means their coloring is in a back and forth movement. Warm and cool colors should touch each other. These turned out fantastic do far!

2nd grade line sculptures

We started this school year with a review of different kinds of lines. We named the various kinds of lines like vertical, horizontal, diagonal, zig zag, loopy, curves and spiral.... Just to name a few. We then talked about sculptures and how it is a kind of art that is three dimensional and has form. The students made a paper sculpture by bending and folding paper to represent the various kinds of lines. They were glued down so they stuck off the page! Many students said they looked like roller coasters. Look for these to come home soon!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Calling all smocks!!

I would love if all 1st and 2nd graders could bring a smock to school for art class.  What is a smock? Easy...it's an old t-shirt that you don't mind if your kid gets messy! It could be one of their old t-shirts or maybe one of yours. This way when they come to art class they come prepared in the event we get messy. This saves time for me as well as the kids so we don't have to spend time passing out smocks and making sure everyone has it on right. With their own smocks... They are ready when they arrive. So that's it.... Get your kid a smock.... Pretty please.  Thank you!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Welcome Back!

I am so excited to be back at Alcott full time teaching art this school year! Once again I will have the opportunity to work the best students and families around!!  Please check back to my little art blog to find out what we are doing in each grade level in art class.  I am going to try and update this as often as possible. As always, please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions or concerns. I am so thrilled to teach the importance of art and help our children create fabulous pieces of art. Let the fun begin!!