2nd Grade Bugs on Leaves

     In this lesson, 2nd graders learned about observational drawings.  After collecting leaves outside, each student completed several observational drawings of leaves.  A final observational drawing was done on larger drawing paper, and was then outlined with washable Crayola markers.  Water was then painted on top of the marker, to create a watercolor effect.  The leaves were then cut out, and glued onto a black background.  Crayola Model Magic was used to sculpt bugs.  Students used books and realistic photographs of insects as a reference when sculpting their insect of choice.  Tempera cake paint was then used to paint the insects.  Once dry, the insects were then glued onto the leaves.

Learning Targets:

I can...

- make an observational drawing

- create a 3-D sculpture out of modeling material

Kindergarten Fall Reflections

     For this lesson, kindergartners learned how to draw a realistic-looking tree by starting with the letter Y, then adding branches.  Papers were folded in half, and a line was drawn for the ground.  The realistic trees were then added on the ground line.  Tempera cake paints were used to paint in the sky background, as well as the water below the trees.  Dots of tempera paint were placed on the tree branches for leaves, and when wet, the paper was folded, creating a symmetrical stamp of a reflection into the water below.

1st Grade Fall Leaves

     For this lesson, 1st graders completed observational drawings of leaves with pencil.  The pencil drawings were then traced with a Sharpie marker, followed using tissue paper to collage on top of the leaf drawings.  I always use a mixture of water and glue for collage, however, Mod Podge would also work.

Kindergarten Line Paintings

     In this lesson, kindergartners are introduced to a variety of different lines.  To start this lesson, students chose different lines to pull out of the "Mystery Box of Lines," which was filled with larger pipe cleaners that were shaped to resemble different types of lines.  After the lines were pulled out, the class worked on naming the lines, and sharing where the lines might be found in real life.  These lines included:
- straight
- short (could be used for a dashed line)
- curly
- squiggle line / snake line
- scalloped line (ocean wave)
- castle top
- zig-zag

     To practice drawing different lines, students used a pencil to draw them onto drawing paper.  Once the lines were drawn, students practiced their tracing by following over their pencil lines with oil pastels.  Tempera cake paints were used to paint in the background.  Students explored with color mixing with their paints.  The oil pastels and paints work as a crayon - resist, where the paint doesn't stick, but bubbles around the oil pastel.

Learning Targets:
I can...
- name a variety of lines
- draw a variety of lines
- trace one line on top of another line

1st Grade Paper Sculptures

This lesson was used as an introduction to the many techniques that can be done to manipulate paper.  This was also used as an introduction lesson to the mixed media self portraits that the students created, in which they would need to know how to tear, fold, and curl paper to create their collaged hair.  1st graders were instructed to practice tearing (with fingers), curling (with a pencil), and folding (accordion style) their paper, to create a 3-D paper sculpture.  Some students wanted to create a "theme park," or "roller coasters," and some students created abstract designs. The targets for this project were:

I can...

 - tear, curl, and fold paper

 - form and use paper to construct a 3-D sculpture

Visual Arts Night 2012

On Thursday, May 31st Cushing Elementary had our first Visual Arts Night.  From 5:30 - 7:30, students and families were invited to school, to participate in a variety of arts activities.  The following activities were available:

Watercolor Painting (creating book marks and cards)

 

Painted Bird Baths