lesson examples
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Soft-Sculpture Monsters
Fifth graders designed their own monsters on paper. They then learned several sewing techniques to transform their 2-dimensional drawings into 3-dimensional soft sculptures.
Shibori
Fourth graders learned about the ancient Japanese art of Shibori, which is when you dye fabric using only indigo. After studying various ways to create patterns, each student folded, bound, and/or wrapped a piece of muslin before dipping it into the indigo dye bath.
Winter Birch Trees
Third graders learned about cool colors, how to create a mask when painting, and how to appropriately add shadows while creating a winter scene with birch trees.
O’Keeffe Watercolor Flowers
Fourth graders learned about artist, Georgia O’Keeffe. They then used viewfinders to isolate one part of a flower, allowing them to create a close-up. Watercolor crayons were used to complete the pieces
Paper Mache Donuts
Third graders created donut sculptures inspired by artist, Wayne Thiebaud. They began by learning how to make a form using newspaper and masking tape before covering the form with paper mache. Paint, real sprinkles, and Mod Podge were used to complete this sweet project.
Snowflake Self-Portaits
Fifth graders learned what it means if something is high contrast. They then created high contrast self-portraits of themselves before adding cut snowflakes.
Yarn Weavings
Fifth graders learned about the multicultural art of weaving as well as weaving vocabulary and techniques. They then strung their own looms before using yarn to create a weaving.
Watercolor Crabs
First graders used simple shapes to help them draw crabs. They then utilized various watercolor techniques to add color.
Eric Carle Inspired Seahorses
Kindergarteners studied the illustrations of author and illustrator, Eric Carle. They then used the painting and collage techniques that Carle used for his illustrations to create their own seahorses.
Rainy Day Self-Portraits
Kindergarteners learned that digital media can be incorporated into art when they dressed up for a rainy day and had their photos taken. These photographs were then used to create a mixed-media piece of art with the addition of watercolors.
Collaboration with High School Students
Elementary students created unique creature designs. These designs were then sent to the high school, where students there transformed their 2-dimensional drawings into 3-dimensional sculptures.