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!