It's football season and that means it's the perfect time to introduce needlepoint art to your students! If you're wondering what football has to do with needlepoint, look no further than former NFL great, Rosey Grier. I used to have trouble getting my 5th grade boys to take anything seriously that involved a needle and yarn.... they just thought it wasn't "manly" enough! … [Read more...]
Underwater Fantasy inspired by Paul Klee
Swiss painter and graphic artist, Paul Klee, is known for his child-like use of line and color.... maybe that's why kids relate so well to his work! The influence of Surrealism, Expressionism, and Cubism is easily seen in his art, yet he really had a style all his own. This project is inspired by his painting, "Fish Magic", where he combines traditional underwater imagery … [Read more...]
Line Designs with Shading
I'm not really sure what to call these drawings, but my students love them! I found this project on Art with Mr. E. (and added to his instructions just a bit) to use with my 4th & 5th graders for some end-of-the-year fun!! With this project, you can teach that shading and careful use of line can give a 2D drawing the "illusion" of being 3D. I loved the … [Read more...]
Memorial Day Flag Designs
Here's a great lesson for Memorial Day... I did this with my 1st graders, but any age could have fun with it. Easy to prep, no clean up, everyone was successful, and the kids LOVED it... you can't beat that!Materials:9x12 white paperBlack "F" SharpieRed and blue markersDirections:1. Discuss the American flag and what it symbolizes. (This is a great opportunity to talk about … [Read more...]
Compass Mandalas
The word "mandala" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "circle" and has it's roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. We know mandalas as circular designs with radial symmetry and repeating patterns. Mandalas can be found today in a variety of cultures as well as in nature. (Ask students where they have seen circles, or patterns with circles, in nature or in man-made … [Read more...]
Designs with Number Patterns
This lesson is adapted from a math activity my own kids did in middle school, where they used colored string to "stitch" their patterns on card stock. I simplified this lesson for my students (4th grade and up), replacing the needle and thread with markers and a ruler.... Have you ever marveled at the fascinating patterns found in nature?? I like to … [Read more...]
Visual Texture
This activity is great practice for learning to see values (lights and darks) and duplicate them in your drawings. Younger students may only have the patience to do two or three of these, while older students may want to do several more. Make sure you use the same pencil and the same paper for both the rubbings and the copies, or you'll have trouble duplicating the lightest … [Read more...]
Grade 3 Portfolios – The Shapes and Colors of Joy
"Matthew's Dream", by Leo Lionni, is my inspiration for our third grade portfolio project. In this charming fable, a boy named Matthew visits the museum with his classmates and is entranced by the paintings he sees there. That night Matthew has a magical dream which helps him to see the world around him in a whole new way. He becomes a painter and creates beautiful … [Read more...]
Grade 1 Portfolios – Design a Dot!
Every year, I start each of my Art classes by going over my "Art Rules".While this is review for most of my students, it never hurts to hear it again! And reading this book provides a great on-ramp to having this discussion! The Dot, by Peter Reynolds, has to be one of my favorite children's books of all time. If you only read one art-themed book to your students this year, … [Read more...]