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...]
Kids Express Themselves with Art
These are just a few of the amazing paintings done by children in the tent cities of Haiti, on the anniversary of the earthquake.Sometimes I get so caught up in the academics and "mechanics" of teaching art (the elements, principles, and "how to's") that I forget the importance of art as a means of self-expression. On my recent trip to Haiti, I was enormously blessed to get to … [Read more...]
Haitian-Inspired Foil Cross
This project was inspired by the metal art of Haiti, and makes a great project for Easter... or anytime! I'll be doing this with children in a couple of orphanages in Haiti next week. I'll try to post some pictures when I get back! "Foamies" and 3M foil tape are the secret ingredients for this project! You can buy these thin sheets of foam in a 9x12 size at … [Read more...]
Chilean Rain Sticks
This project requires a bit more prep than most, but it's not difficult and so worth the extra time it takes! Your students will LOVE creating these colorful, authentic sounding rain sticks! Be sure to show students where Chile is located on a map or globe, and talk about its unique geography and weather!Chile is a country in South America, occupying a long narrow strip of … [Read more...]
Mexican Papel Picado
"Papel Picado", or "cut paper", is a colorful decoration found at most Mexican celebrations. The “secret” of success for making your own papel picado is to sandwich the thin tissue paper inside a folded, heavier weight paper before cutting it. This makes it easier to work with, less likely to tear, and gives you a surface for drawing a design you can follow as you … [Read more...]
Mexican Paper Marigolds for “Day of the Dead”
"Day of the Dead" is a traditional Mexican holiday for honoring ancestors and loved ones who have died, and is celebrated each year on November 1st & 2nd. This festive, family-centered holiday celebrates the cycle of life and highlights the Mexican peoples’ general acceptance, rather than fear, of death. Colorful marigolds are a regular feature adorning the altars or … [Read more...]
“Day of the Dead” – a Teacher Workshop!
For those of you who call the California Central Coast your home, we have a special Teach Kids Art teacher workshop coming up this Saturday, October 9th, from 9am-noon at Palace Art in Capitola..... "Teach Kids 'Day of the Dead' Projects"! I will be co-teaching this workshop with K-12 Spanish teacher, Catherine Murray, from Rio del Mar Elementary and Cypress Charter High … [Read more...]
Mosaics
Mosaic projects can be adapted for all ages. Just follow these directions and use larger tiles and a smaller backing board if working with young children.... or anyone with a shorter attention span! Historical examples of mosaic art have been found in Roman ruins throughout Europe and around the Mediterranean. Traditional mosaics were made from tiny squares of natural-colored … [Read more...]
Middle Eastern Inspiration
School's out and summer has begun! I've just returned from two amazing weeks in the Middle East, visiting family in Jordan and exploring the marvels of this rich culture! The carved city of Petra, ancient Roman ruins and spectacular desert landscapes were just a few of the many wonders I discovered there. In this land of sand and rock, charming mosaics (like the one pictured … [Read more...]
Burlap “Sampler” – Stitching Project
There is something very calming and soothing about stitching on fabric... even my 5th grade boys love it! I usually find that in a class of 25, there might be 3 or 4 girls who have some experience with stitching by hand, and for everyone else it's brand new. What a valuable life skill to learn! (I may have to do this project at home with my husband!) The early settlers in … [Read more...]