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.

Curious Flowers

First graders created “exquisite” flowers based on the Surrealist art technique. Each artist draws a part of the flower without seeing the previously drawn sections. Afterwards, the original artist outlines and adds colors to their new and unique flower!

Illuminated Letters

Students worked for three class sessions creating their “Illuminated Letters.” The project follows their classroom lessons on fairy tales and story writing. We discuss the importance of bringing attention to the first word on the page. Authors and illustrators often use “Illuminated Letters” to bring the reader to the beginning of the page. Using scale, color, and details, the students built their letters from Model Magic and created a “pizzazzy” background. The students know that to “illuminate” something means to make it bigger, brighter, and shiny! The project focused on hand building 3-dimensional forms, fine motor skills, shape recognition, and handling glue appropriately.