ART for 1170

How do artists use expressions to convey meaning?  First graders explored different emotions by Rockwell and Picasso. We placed our hands on our faces and noticed how they changed when we were happy, surprised, mad, sad, etc.  Then they observed their own expressions in a mirror and drew three different emotions.

Students begin this lesson by learning about simple shapes and how simple shapes combined can create pictures. They use cardboard geometric shapes to trace their body form and then use oil pastels to add the color to their costumes. This looks just like her princess costume

I projected a painting by Grandma Moses on the white board so students who finished could use the dry erase markers to find lines and shapes in the trees.  First and second grade students learned about the different limbs of decidious and evergreen trees. We have had a crazy amount of snow this year in Michigan. Record amount of snow days and low temps so as much as I was ready to say good bye to the snow I thought I'd embrace our visual environment. Students used cardboard edges to dip in green or brown paint. The next week the students added snow as it piles up on the ground and branches. This week they cut out red cardinals of their own design to add to the landscape. Promise to post those by next weekend. Here's looking forward to Spring!

There are a couple of things I love about this lesson.  At this time of year most of my first graders have learned to tie and can't wait to show off that skill.  They help the other students who are just learning and when they "Get it" it is so exciting. I also like that it supports the classroom teacher's lessons in symmetry.  I try to bend the carpets when I display them so the POP off the board. Sorry for the 2 week hiatus. What is it about this time of year?  Art show, taking down art show...seems like non stop. I think this is true for all teachers.

My first grade classes are at a time of day when there really is NO time. Big classes and either back to back or at the end of the day so I was only able to snap a couple of pictures. I will try and take a few more next week. I really like these "Cats" or maybe Mice.  A pinch pot inverted then eyes, ears and some details added.

I have seen this lesson on so many sites so I have no idea where the credit goes for first invention, so thanks to many.  I started this lesson with Kindergarten and realized how tracing our hands is tough. So I did something I rarely do and had first grade do the same lesson. I guess in 21st century terms we'll call it assessment.  I review tracing skills by reminding them to have their pencil pointing towards the ceiling to avoid martian hands. Then we discuss cool colors and decorate our hands with those colors and aim for patterns. The next week we talk about warm colors and create our hearts, cut them out and add to paper. This lesson covers about half a dozen skill points and they love them...so do I

Several posts back I talked about texture plates. I have never met a class that doesn't LOVE them. When I demonstrate how to use them I actually get applause, like a magician, it's too funny. Well the next class I bring out all the tops from liquid detergents that I have been begging for in newsletters, super thick cardboard wedges and anything I've saved for interesting printing.  I put out paints that won't turn muddy if mixed and have the students roam the tables experimenting with the stamps on their textures. We review printing techniques and I have the students stand up and HOP like a bunny or frog and then we do the "Twist" as a reminder not to rub or paint with their stamps. I believe my technical word is not to schwizzle.  I think this lesson is perfect for the beginning of the year when the students are so anxious to get back to painting. This is also a good lesson to bring up how much is TOO much. Know when to stop. Is your artwork becoming ove...

I've done this lesson for a few years and tweek it every time.  Last year I ended up with itty bitty birds so I decided to use foam shapes for the students to help with the bodies if they wanted. I think the shape was too big and the birds look a bit fluffy. So, I'll adjust for next year.  This lesson takes 3, 30 minute class periods. Day one we look at the trees outside our classroom. There are several trees that have the Y formation. We  talk about how not all trees look like that (willow trees, evergreen, etc) Hopefully they begin to study tree shapes on their way to soccer or dance? Next we cut brown paper into strips and apply to the blue paper. Second class we create the snowstorm. We talk about how snow falls on a tree and piles up on the ground. The last class we create our cardinals by breaking down images of the bird into simple shapes and adding details with permanent marker. 

This is a good one or two class project. Since my classes are only 30 min. I usually have the students draw their Jar, then use a wet finger on tempera cakes to make bugs.  One finger can be used for butterflies or two fingers if each finger becomes a wing. Also we use our pinkies to make caterpillars. The next week we add the details, eyes antennae, grass.  I like that this can be used when you have just finished a long project and want a one/two day project.

Thanks Patti at http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/ for this lesson connecting art and literacy.  I can't help but think of my good friend Carol's cat Shadow when I read Splat. I added his picture. Shadow had a traumatic kittenhood and has issues but he is so lovable. All the students love Splat stories. The students at NSE had time to add paper details. 

First Graders used the same oval foam shapes to create imaginary fish.  It was one of the last art classes of the year so I decided to take it outside for a couple reasons. One, it was a beautiful day and hey, in Michigan we don't get to enjoy too many of those during winter and two, almost zero clean up. Hey what's a little blue watercolor on the sidewalk going to hurt.  It was a bit tricky carrying in the artwork but I'm going to make a mental note to do more "outside" art.

Based on Dr. Seuss' One Fish, Two Fish book I really like this lesson plan. It was the first time I've used "Tracers".  Oh my! Gasp! I know how some of you feel about using tracers, but I had these oval foam shapes from Arts and Scraps and thought they would be a great starting poing for our fish.  Maybe it was my imagination but the student stress level was zero.  They LOVED using the foam and spent more time and attention to the fish and their expressions.  

Just a small sample of finished Picasso inspired faces. Depending on the school, most were painted in tempera but also some additions of colored pencil and paper.  I'm really happy with the way they turned out. It was more time consuming project than I hoped it would be, but the results are incredible.