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