Tree-ish Art by Grade 3

Today I read a fabulous book, Ish, to my 3rd grade art students.

If you have ever had  students or children get frustrated because they could not get their art work "just right", then they should check out this book! The main character in this book, Ramon, learns to draw "ishly", which means that his drawing looks sort of like what he means it to look like.

So, today the 3rd graders made "tree-ish" art work. I asked them to use a black sharpie marker to create a tree silhouette. We talked about how they could stick to a basic tree form or get creative with their designs. They knew it could look completely different from everyone else's and it would still be great. So they set to work...

Next, I told them they needed to fill the background with color. They could use solid colors, create patterns or designs. I gave them crayons and markers to complete the task. They could use one or the other or use a combination of both. Again, they set to work...

I think they enjoyed the creative thinking and freedom involved in this project. They were all so happily creating, chatting, and complimenting each others' work. It was a very pleasant art period. I love the final products. I backed them on black construction paper and hung them outside their classroom.

Later on in the day, I noticed that one of my 3rd grade buddies had written me a little note in the corner of my chalk board. What a sweetie! I'm glad he thinks "I rule" and that it was "the most awesome project ever". I hope he is as thrilled with our future projects as he was with this one!

Welcome Back!

All last week, the students in my art classes worked on a whole school project. I originally saw this idea on the blog, smART class, http://elementaryartfun.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-to-school-ideas.html.
Each student created a monochromatic (one-color) or two-color self-portrait. We discussed how they could use different shades of colors in the same family (sky blue, navy blue) or different values of the same shade (by increasing or decreasing the pressure on the crayons etc...) They were given crayons, art sticks, and markers to create their portraits. We had a short lesson on portrait drawing before they started theirs. Each portrait then became part of a whole school mural displayed downstairs by the office. Many of their personalities shone through their work!

If you are a parent coming in on Parents' Night this Thursday, take a swing down the hall by the office/8th grade and check it out!

Also, thanks you to my helpful parents! (Mrs. Tremblay, Mrs. O'Hare, Mrs. Flomp, Mrs. Conway, and Mrs. Cunningham) I could not have completed the display without you!! They were the best staplers and tapers in town!

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And so It Begins...

Well, my room is just about ready. It is always a work in progress as I move through the school year, but it is ready for students next Tuesday.

This year I was inspired by all the great art blogs I follow. They all had so many great posters and displays. So I set about creating my own.

I found the best set of simple rules ever, thanks to,
http://teachkidsart.blogspot.com/2011/08/rules-to-live-by-both-in-and-out-of-art.html

I then set about creating an information wall for my students to use throughout the year. I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

Also, I am working on lessons about Van Gogh for my middle school classes. I'm working on setting up an area dedicated to artists we study.

This year I hung spirals of paper over each table. The students will be sitting at either the red, yellow, or blue table! I'm pleased with what I see so far! It's exciting to be back getting ready for a new year. Our school has had about 40 new students enter the school this year through all grades, K - 8. I'm looking forward to meeting them! It's always fun to meet new people, especially art students.

I also bought some new books to develop an art-themed library in my room. I have a whole dream list of books, but here are some picture books and drawing books I will be beginning my collection with this year.

I know many teachers have already started and I hope they have had a great start to their year. Good luck to all the teachers, students, and parents out there starting school soon! Have a wonderful year!

Thinking about a New Year

Well, art classes start September 6th this year and I have been preparing by reading all my follow bloggers' posts. They are getting me very excited to get into my room and decorate and create!

I have not started my lessons yet, but did come across a picture of one of my last year's student's pieces of art that, in my opinion, is fabulous! She was a fourth grader at the time. I need to credit Mr. E for his inspiring post, http://artwithmre.blogspot.com/search/label/Line .

I love how these look when they are done. It was our last lesson of the year and the student was the only one who finished. She actually took it home and finished it over that weekend and brought it back to show me.

Here it is...

I hope you all have (or are having) a wonderful beginning to your year! Good luck!
I am very much looking forward to all your future posts!!

Pinterest! My Newest Craze!

Have you checked out Pinterest, yet? So cool!!

http://pinterest.com/kandersen1229/

My name on Pinterest is kandersen1229 if you want to follow me.

Check it out, cool site to save everything you love online!!

Getting some great art lesson ideas for the new school year on Pinterest!