Blot Monsters

The class read "Where the Wild Things Are" and, like the main character Max, used their imagination to create a monster. Students experimented with Rorschach’s test to interpret a paint blot and to see monsters within their symmetrical designs. After a discussion of symmetry, students cut out and added details to their new monster. Lastly, the creatures were named and placed in an environment.

Animal Tales

We are chasing our Tails! Or is it our Tales? Together, the class folded our paper in to an accordion style book. Each interior page was designed with an animal pattern (real or imagined) using oil pastels or colored pencils The front and back covers were designed with an assortment of materials. this project serves as a nice introduction to book arts, as well as reviews the students' knowledge of patterns.

Easy as A, B, C!

The students looked at Jasper Johns work. The class discussed the way he brought attention to everyday symbols and objects. The students recognized that the letters and numbers in his paint­ings were unlike those that they use in their class work. Using tempera paints, the students turned their letters and numbers into unique colorful art. The students learned that creativity can begin by using “building blocks” from their existing body of knowledge.