Backpacks!

As they were leaving class, I told my 5th graders "Your art homework is to bring your backpack to our next class. Remind your friends." "Where are we going? What are we doing?" students asked. No time for questions the next class is waiting. 


Perfect, suspense and excitement make for a creative atmosphere. 


Next class, everyone had their backpacks. I asked students to put their backpacks in the middle of the table. I demonstrated by making a blind contour drawing of one of their backpacks. Everyone made a blind contour drawing (with only a little giggling this time) and finally these beautiful watercolors! I am so proud of my 5th graders. This was a long time coming! They are becoming so confident in their drawing skills. 

LINES, LINES, LINES

It's the end of the school year and I find myself wanting to review the elements of art before graduating my Kindergarteners to first grade. I drew lines on manilla paper before students came to class. We identified these lines (most of my students are E.L.L. and special education) but I can imagine finding these lines in a painting with a high level class. Next students were asked to make these lines with CLAY. Most made coils. . . 

Some students broke their clay into pieces and placed it on the lines. . . 

Then I asked the students to make their lines come OFF the page.

Finally the art mentors (5th graders) helped with clean up. Wedging the clay back together and putting it in a plastic bag with a wet sponge keeps the clay pliable for our next project.