Autumn Abstract Reflections by First Grade

So, in all honesty, these beautiful paintings were not the paintings I had envisioned in my mind when I developed this lesson. I have done this lesson in the past, but did a very specific, step-by step lesson. The outcomes from past years looked like this:

 This year, one of my overall personal goals as an art teacher is to let the students have more freedom when creating their artwork. I have been using picture books, stories, poems, and famous artworks to inspired my students. I am still guiding them through a process, but at the same time giving them much more creative freedom. I want this year to be more about personal expression and unique style for my students. I want them to see a real sense of self in their artwork.

Well, this year I gave them step-by-step directions again, but with a lot more freedom. I said things like, "Use red paint to paint some treetop shapes on the top half of your paper". We continued like this while periodically folding the paper to give it a reflection effect. I love how they all came out unique with bright bold color!

Here is a peek at some from this year's looser lesson...

I love the abstract quality they have to them. They first graders should be very proud of their work.