Recycled Cardboard City

We had the best time today making a Cardboard City!

We have been studying relief sculptures in clay and continued in Cardboard. Lowly cardboard became a golden material as kids sifted through it to find the perfect pieces. Some groups worked together to create different buildings in the city. There is a church, a hotel, and lots of houses. It was the perfect group project for this "active" class of mostly boys because it allowed for independent creation and selective collaborations. In the end, without prompting, one boy put some buildings in the center of the room to see how they looked together, everyone followed his lead. So easy, so engaging, and so very creative.

THIS MY FRIENDS IS A PLANE . . . CAN'T YOU TELL!
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT WITH A BUNCH OF 3RD GRADE BOYS.

2ND AND 3RD GRADE OBJECTIVE
I LOVE MY OBJECTIVE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD.
IT HELPS ME REMEMBER WHAT I'M DOING SOME MORNINGS
AND IS EASY TO KEEP UP WITH.

"I CAN MAKE A RELIEF SCULPTURE USING FOUND MATERIAL"

Kindergarten Solutions Sneak Peak

Remember last post I talked about practice creating process. Every year in the spring, Kindergarteners create these awesome pattern snakes. Sometimes we cut them like a spiral and sometimes they are curvy snakes (depending on their cutting ability!) This year, before we created pattern snakes (which will be a different post) we practiced pattern for at least 1/2 hour!

First, we used a shaker instrument to make pattern with sound. This really got all kids engaged from the start. Then I talked about how in art pattern can be made with colors and shapes. We practiced by making patterns with pattern blocks. Then the students did independent practice with pattern blocks. The greatest things were . . . little mess, lots of learning, and when it came to making their patterns on their snakes they were experts (most of them!) Pattern worksheets and blocks will stay in my Kindergarten centers for kids who want to explore pattern more.

Check out Kinders at work AND check out my workshop Kindergarten Solutions for the Busy Art Teacher for more easy ways to engage your little artists even before they put paint to paper!

Can I just give a shout out to how NEAT their table is!
All the pattern blocks are in the center for easy sharing.
Fabulous kids.

labeling using A's and B's

Sharing pattern blocks

Kindergarten Solutions for the Busy Art Teacher

How many times have you heard a friend say "teaching art to Kindergarteners is not my thing"? Maybe you have said it yourself? I know I have. But, in reality who would say that painting with 30 five year olds with no help, special needs, and one sink is really their "thing." Instead of throwing in the paper towel;) I decided to try every thing and anything to make my Kindergarten classes work. I have turned my most anticipated (and by that I mean dreaded) class into my favorite little artists. Be sure to check out my presentation at the 2013 National Art Education Conference KINDERGARTEN SOLUTIONS FOR THE BUSY ART TEACHER for some practical tips, tricks and ways to enhance your lessons. 

Here are some of the ideas I'll be presenting on. . .

-Making centers work in a busy art room.
-Practice makes process. Get kids engaged in the process through practice.
-Quiet signals without words.
-Songs and sound in Art
-Passing out papers so everyone will listen.
-#1 easiest way to add writing to your curriculum.
-No more LOST artwork. Ways to help students organize their art and write their name so you can read it.
-Parents can help! Let parents help you turn chaos into creative time.
-Paint! Fool proof systems for little artists.
-The best way to get kids to listen to directions.

I hope I can fit this all in 10 minutes. . . maybe I'll talk REEEAAALLY fast!


Tune in later this week and I will be talking about the presentation I'll be giving that is closest to my heart, Peace Building through Arts Education. You can check this presentation out at the 2013 National Conference. I hope to start a dialogue about this topic as I think it's our most difficult, but most important work as art teachers.

I plan on attending the conference as well! Learning from each other is what this online event is about. Hope you'll JOIN me, Jessica, Mrs. Hahn, Ian Sands, Mr. E, Tricia Fuglestead, Patty Palmer and more on JUNE 25th!