ART for 1170

Another great idea from Pinterest. I cut slabs of clay for my special Wednesday class. There are 8 students that are in 2nd and 4th grade and three incredible aides that assist the students.  We started by talking about shapes, We cut our slabs into a large square, a large triangle from the scrap and then smaller squares and rectangles from smaller scraps. I set out textured rollers, lace, and an assortment of textured objects to give the houses dimension. (This was a favorite part for the students, experimenting in textures) Then we scored and put water/slip on pieces before we added them together. The students were able to complete almost all of the project themselves with reminders about what steps went next and that is a true measure of success.  I can't wait for them to dry and for the students to glaze. Stay tuned for our final masterpieces!

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...

Friday the kindergarten students added texture to their houses.  These texture plates are like magic!  I let the First grade students experiment with them after they finished their bug jars (coming soon) and they loved them too! It sounds like a bee hive when all the students are using them.

This is usually a project I do with First Grade in October but I just came across the pictures and think it is one of those magic moments for young students.  I have a stack of texture plates that I got from either Nasco or Dick Blick.  The students place the texture plate under their paper and rub with crayons. For the students that have never done a "Rubbing" it is a true magic moment.  I wish I had the time to take them outside and find texture on concrete, bricks or trees.  The next class I use plastic bottles, corks, and plastic type lid to stamp colors.  I asked the staff to save laundry tops, they work great with the plastic lip for young students to hold on to.