Paper Weavings With Patterns: 2nd Grade

So were weaving in 2nd grade.  I like to start with paper weaving to make sure students understand the pattern of weaving strips(before moving onto fabric strips/ribbon).  However, they were so plain...I just wasn't happy with them & felt they didn't look like 2nd grade work.  So this week, we once again looked at African fabrics...pointing out colors, patterns, designs, and such.  The students used construction paper crayons to go back on top of their weavings and make them more interesting.  I LOVE THE RESULT! 

Pout-Pout Fish Winner!!

         

      Kim was the winner of the Pout-Pout Fish Collection from Deborah Diesen(author). Thanks to all who participated!! Hopefully we'll have more contests like this in the future!! Love a good book...and sharing it even more!!

TAEA TUESDAY: TN History In The Art Room

How many of you have been asked to include TN History into your curriculum?  I'd say a few of you have (or those from others states have been asked the same thing about your state).  At first you might have a gut reaction of disdain & annoyance.  But wait....can we do some awesome projects off of this request?  You don't need to create a book of state symbols or coloring pages of state symbols!!!  The classroom teachers already to such projects.  We can reinforce our state history/facts using the skills we're already teaching the students!  State flowers make AMAZING watercolor/painting projects!  You can look at Van Gogh...and then bring in the state flower..BAM!!! GREAT LESSON!  State flag...you can talk about symmetry/asymmetry, design, symbolism...look at the state flag...and then have them create their own personal flag that represents them or their family...BAM!!!! GREAT LESSON!  I'm personally thinking about using our state reptile, the Box Turtle, and creating a zentangle inspired lesson for the shell!!!! BAM!!! GREAT LESSON! ha ha  

Don't get your undies in a bunch too quickly when administration or classroom teachers ask you such things.....think creatively how you can be a part of a global process of learning.  Being able to work with students prior knowledge is in everyone's best interest for success!  

Now...if they are asking you to do things that detract from your program...then you need to have that discussion with the person asking.  You can not forsake your students art education to teach another subject area's content.  Just see if it is possible before you say no though...we are part of a TEAM!!!  

Faculty Bonding

We have a new assistant principal this year....and at her old school many participated in the Mayor's 5K Challenge.  So she challenged us to join in! ( It is a free 5K to encourage activity, health, and involvement in our city!)  We had probably close to 20 adults (admin, teachers, assistants, and subs) from our school participate!!!  I designed the shirts(big surprise?!?).  

It was a run/walk...bring your babies...bring your pets kind of 5K.  SO MUCH FUN!

I recommend something like this for you and your faculty!! It was so nice to get together on a beautiful day...and just enjoy being together doing an activity!!!  No real school talk or anything.  It is something that bonds a group...and most schools need more of that!!

I did start!!

Ms. Sanford...my student teacher from the beginning of the year joined in too!  She took the PRAXIS at 8 in the morning....went to church...and then came and did the 5K!!! She's pretty awesome.  

I did finish!!!

SOME OF THE AMAZING VIEWS FROM THE 5K!

African Masks Painted: 4th Grade

   

If you've been trekkin' with me on the Found Object African Inspired Masks...here are the results of painting.  Part of me would love to give them one more day to "refine" them...but I'm not sure I really have time to do so this nine weeks.  They are fun though...and the kids have REALLY enjoyed them.  Their classroom teachers have been telling me that the kids couldn't wait to get to art this week!!  I love that I've been able to provide a project they are that excited about.  

http://www.artwithmre.com/2014/10/african-inspired-found-object-masks.html

 

LION LANDSCAPES: 1st Grade

We're working on our landscape skills in 1st grade.  With my African theme right now, I thought it would be fun to have a lion as the center piece of the landscape.  Even though I showed the students how to draw a lion...I loved how diverse they came out!  Love my creative kiddos!!!!

       

TAEA TUESDAY: Learning A New Skill

TAEA TUESDAY-  This is a feature I'm adding to my blog to address questions/concerns/situations from my TAEA Elementary Division Peeps!  HOWEVER....EVERYONE CAN READ ON!  It is just good teaching info funness(not a word..I know).  

This is in regards to taking on Practicum & Student Teachers.  In TN we have a TON of universities.  There are many opportunities to mentor if you make the connections to do so.       

 

I think most of us can say that "ON THE JOB TRAINING" has taught us a great deal!  I know that even though my training at Bowling Green State University was AMAZING....there were still some holes in my knowledge base.  Come on...we teach in a HUGE field.  ART!  How can you know it all...EVER?!?!? :) ha ha  So my first year of teaching...I learned circle weaving.  It was in the curriculum...and had to be taught.  Lets just say...it was a rough go!!!  However, over the years I've grown to love this project....and it is one of my favorite times of the year.  So today...as I was talking to my practicum students from MTSU...they told me they had never done circle weaving before!  Well...I didn't want them to have to learn the way I did...so during planning...I taught them a new skill!! If you take on practicum students or student teachers...try to find a media or project they may not know how to do & teach them!!!  Think back to your first year or two...and pull from the many things you didn't know how to do!

Kandinsky Collaborations: K-4

Here are my collaborative pieces for ARTOBER NASHVILLE: Kandinsky Inspired!

I've never done something like this before...but am thrilled with the results.  I had purchased foam core board from Dollar Tree to assemble the students work on.  They did bow a good bit..which surprised me(they kind of have almost a plastic coat on them).  I wasn't able to do EVERY class I have, but got enough done to really show off what the kids have been learning over the past month!  Hope you enjoy!

Kindergarten Turtles: Patterns & Cutting Skills

In TN they removed patterns from the Kindergarten standards in their "regular" classroom.  REALLY??  They also do not have the time they use to to cut and past in their "regular" classroom.  This truth is being reflected in what I'm seeing in my room.  I'm having to work with students on how to hold their scissors, how to cut, how to make smooth lines....EVERYTHING.  That blows my mind, but I won't go off on that.  I am trying to introduce & reinforce things that I once took for granted that they would know.  Anyways?!?!  I'm really happy with their patterned shell turtles!  We used construction paper crayons on a dark green paper....and then cut and glued the turtles onto black paper.  The story we started with was Jubuti The Tortoise(I tried to find an African turtle story, but could not...Jubuti is from the Amazon.)