First Grade Texture Weaving

After the students rolled Indian corn and printed with corn husks and Queen Anne's Lace, we decided to take it the next level and weave! 

Story Quilts

First graders spent time talking about the different purposes of quilt-making. After creating a symmetric foundation of fabric, each quilter embellished his/her fabric with ribbons and buttons. During the subsequent classes, students discussed symbolism found in colors and shapes in the quilts. We looked as some examples from the Freedom Quilts of the underground railroad. After the quilt was finished, each student wrote a short story based on the symbols of his/her quilt.

If I was a tree...

Inspired by the work of Tony Demura, students finished the statement: "If I was a tree...". Each student illustrated his/her idea using the media of his/her choice. The students were encouraged to take the perspective of how he/she would feel and see as a tree. Focus was planed on using their imagination and creating a unique image. (This was a project that I saw on http://newcityarts.blogspot.com/)

Don't Forget to Vote

13 Lines and 50 stars... of course that could make up the American flag, but we decided to deconstruct the elements and make our on designs to celebrate the upcoming elections.  The students use red paint to make 8 (or so) different lines and then added 50 (or so) blue shapes. The blue shapes were a combination of cut paper and painted dots. The class discussed how simple shapes and colors can be put together to make very meaningful designs.  Rock the Vote!

International Dot Day (week!)

September 15th is International Dot Day! After reading Peter Reynold’s “The Dot”, we decided to celebrate for a few weeks instead! Students spent a few classes working hard cutting and gluing dots and finding “dots” to reuse from the recycling bin (well-washed of course!). These colorful works of art remind us that even the simplest forms can bring the most beauty! Dot-o-licous!  

Georgia's Garden

Nothing says spring like looking Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings... No matter how many times I teach this lesson, I never tire of the results. I have taught this to at least 400 different students over the years, and I have yet to see 2 of a kind. As simple as it is, it never ceases to bring smiles to everyone! 

Natural Reactions

First and second graders were introduced to the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. We looked as the book, Harvesting Dreams to help us understand his work. Hundertwasser believed in the beautification of how he lived and that nature should inspire what humans create. After a brief color study of analogous and complimentary colors, students used paint, oil pastels and painted paper to create a harmonious design.

Pinch Pot Fish

Students investigated clay by using the basic pinch pot building method. After the pinch form was created, each student use the "slip and score" method to add fins, tails, eyes, and other aquatic details to build a fish(ish) sculpture. After these were bisque-fired, students used low-fire glaze to add color.

White Out

First graders studied the work of Louise Nevelson, the "original recycler". After looking at her monochromatic sculptures, each student created an all-white design. The students focused on an object's shape and texture to up-cycle, or repurpose the original use of that object. Some students worked on abstract design, while others illustrated a concrete representation.

Seeing Music

Inspired by the artist Wassily Kandisnsky, first and second-graders drew lines while listening to Bach. We discussed how lines can be used to “draw” different types of sound and music. After drawing to the music, the students used tissue paper and watercolors to fill in the background, allowing their lines to “sing!”

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.