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...]
Personalized Self-Portraits
Third grade self-portrait by ZacharyUse the inspiration of artist Frida Kahlo to have your students add a personalized touch to their self-portraits. Frida Kahlo is known for her prolific painting career.... paintings mostly of herself! She often used symbolism in her paintings as a "window to her soul". I like to have students add "something that helps people know them … [Read more...]
Butterfly Symmetry with Crayon Resist
Butterflies make the perfect subject for learning about symmetry and they're a great way to welcome the spring season. I love displaying them by putting a couple of staples through the body and pulling the wings out a little so they look like they're in flight! It's fun to let them "fly" off the bulletin board and onto the surrounding walls, or even right down the hall! … [Read more...]
My Good Shepherd
Painting by Sydney, grade 1 When I taught Art at a private Christian School, I would do this lesson every year just before Easter with my first graders. This is one of those projects where the results are totally charming and everyone feels successful.... and the parents love them!! The idea for these adorable watercolor sheep came from a set of Usborne Activity Cards - "50 … [Read more...]
Watercolor Fish with Pointillism
Last weekend's teacher workshop at Palace Art was a huge success! It's encouraging to know that so many teachers are eager to expand their art skills so they can share the benefits of Art with their students! For this workshop we focused on watercolor, so I thought I would share a few of the amazing paintings these teachers-turned-students produced. (Scroll down for the lesson … [Read more...]
Tips for Working with Watercolors
Watercolors are a great medium for students to learn about color mixing and applying paint. Here are a few things I've learned about kids and watercolors that may be helpful to you....First of all, the brand does matter! This goes for watercolors or any other type of art supply. When a choice of brand is available, I always try to test and compare. Even in kids' art … [Read more...]
Autumn Leaves with Crayon Resist
This fun autumn leaves art project is perfect for grades 1 & up. It's easy to do, everyone can feel successful and the results are beautiful. Try one yourself! Autumn Leaves Art Project with Crayon Resist inspired by Andy Goldsworthy Materials: • 12x18 white construction paper• black crayon (or oil pastel), broken in half with the paper peeled off• … [Read more...]
The Colors of the Rainbow
Kids love rainbows! And kids in grades K-1 tend to be almost obsessed with them. And why not?? After all, rainbows are fascinating! A rainbow is a multicolored arch that forms in the sky when the sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the air. Rainbows span a continuous spectrum of colors in a specific order; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. "Roy G. … [Read more...]