Students learned about what a collograph print is, what a composition is and various printmakers. We watched some videos online on how to make a collograph plate (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaSKKg-igNU&safe=active) and I showed them my own process (see images at bottom). We used black printing inks and brayers, but you could use a sponge and tempera paint - you just wouldn't get as nice of detail. Look for feathers, buttons, foam cut outs, string, burlap and more! Look how amazing they turned out!! I used these 5 images below in my own powerpoint to show kids how I made one...you can use them too! Helps break down the process (but so does the video I posted above)

If you get a strong enough magnet, you can use it to move a paperclip around on top of a thick piece of cardstock. This morning I let M draw colored pencil paths between a cluster of flowers, a bee hive, and a pot of honey. I drew a quick sketch of a bee, cut it out and taped it to a paper clip. Then I held the cardstock while M moved the magnet under the bee from place to place and made up her own little stories about the honey-making process. Keeping the paper clip moving along the right path takes a certain kind of hand/eye coordination. I think just letting your preschooler draw curvy paths on a piece of cardstock and then letting them try to keep the paperclip on the paths would be a fun little challenge in itself.

First grade just finished up their clay fish sculptures and before they get placed in our art show display, I thought I'd share them with you. This was a fun project where we used speckled glaze (Jungle Gems by Mayco) and a metallic watercolor. Here's how these cuties were created: I see my firsties for 30 minutes twice a week. On the first day, we created the base, complete with a starfish (Patrick!) and seaweed. After the kids left, I added a hole in the base and their names to the bottom. On the second day, we created our fish. I did the same thing to the fish...it was tricky writing their names on such a small surface, but I managed to get it done. After the pieces dried for two weeks, I fired them in the kiln. I then dipped the bases in a gold watercolor to completely cover them. From there, the kids used metallic watercolor paints for the seaweed and starfish. Glaze was used on the fish. I encouraged the kids to use at least three coats of glaze for complete coverage. The speckled glaze really is the coolest. And the kids love the surprising change they see once their creations have come out of the kiln. After all of that fun was done, I had the pleasure of gluing the pieces together. I used chopsticks (I had a donation given to me) that I broke down to a smaller size. After gluing a couple of tall fish, I realized that they might be more inclined to tip over and break than the shorter ones. They are much more stable with the smaller sticks. And super cute, I might add. I want one for my home! The kids had a lot of fun adding texture to their fish which really turned out beautifully with the glaze. By the way, when first adding the holes to the bottom of the fish and the base, make sure you wiggle the stick back and forth a bit. Clay shrinks as it's drying and the wiggle will keep the clay opening the right size for the stick. Our Pet Shop themed art show is next Tuesday night...I'm slowly getting the art room ready for the transformation. I can't wait to see these fun fish on display. I'll be sure to share!

( a sample ceramic turtle) Title: Ceramic Turtle Topic: learning to work with clay, sculpture Goals & Objectives: Students will model clay with control. Students will build upon past knowledge in order to craft an original, three-dimensional artwork. Through observation, investigation and discipline, students will create an art object demonstrating the use of the elements and principles of design. Students will use ceramic vocabulary when referring to the processes of shaping clay objects. GLEs: Strand I: Product/Performance for Sculpture, Ceramics, Other Media A.2. Select and apply three-dimensional media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas and solve challenging visual art problems. Grade 2 - Manipulate paper to create low relief (e.g., curling, folding, tearing, and cutting), Modeling with clay or a similar material:, Roll coils: flatten material into a slab Grade 3 - Manipulate paper to create forms (in-the- round), Cut a symmetrical shape from a folded piece of paper, Modeling with clay or a similar material:, Create applied and impressed textures Strand I: Product/Performance for Subject Matter: Functional Art B. 3. Communicate ideas about subject matter and themes in artworks created for various purposes Grade 3 - Create a container (e.g., paper box, clay pot, fiber basket) Strand II: Elements and Principles – Form C. 1. Select and use elements of art for their effect in communicating ideas through artwork. Grade 2 - Identify and use geometric forms: sphere, cube, cylinder, and cone Grade 3 - Identify and demonstrate sculpture-in-the-round Strand II: Elements and Principles – Texture D. 1. Select and use elements of art for their effect in communicating ideas through artwork. Grade 2 - Identify and use actual texture Grade 3 - Identify and use invented textures Strand II: Elements and Principles – Balance A.2. Select and use principles of art for their effect in communicating ideas through artwork. Grade 4 - Identify and use radial balance Strand V: Historical and Cultural Contexts That Describe A Period or Culture A.1. Compare and contrast artworks from different historical time periods and/or cultures. Grade 2 - Identify works of art from: · United States · (Native American) · Egypt Grade: 2nd and 3rd Length of Class Period: 55 min. Frequency of Class Period: once a week Time Needed: three class periods Facility & Equipment Requirements: One computer lap top Room with good lighting Large tables, approximately ten, each seating four students Two sinks Dry erase board Drying racks Cabinets for storage Projector for viewing computer video, CDs and DVDs Kiln for firing ceramic turtles Diagram for Ceramic Turtles Resources Needed: “How and Why: The Painted Turtle – Sauk” from American Indian Mythology by Marriott and Rachlin Tips for beginning potters by Murry's Pottery. This video collection is appropriate for very young students. Murry shows basic techniques, child appropriate language, kind voice, secular presentations, excellent visuals and explanations. (15 videos) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5O2mJELhRg&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL Sample for the chalkboard/interactive whiteboard Materials Per Student: Both a large and small paint brush A selection of glazes in egg carton, one carton per four students A large container of water, one per four students A paper towel Amount of clay approximating the size of a tennis ball per student is used for the modeling of this object A variety of clay printing and modeling tools (wood chips, shells, pencils, clay stamps, etc...) Each student will need one burlap placemat to keep his/her working space clean and also to prevent clay from sticking to their counter space while he/she works Vocabulary/Terminology: pinch - to form clay between the fingers and the palm coil - a rope-like formation of clay slab - a evenly rolled or pressed layer of clay bisque - is clay that has been fired but not yet glazed ceramics - are objects created from stoneware, porcelain or terra cotta clay - soil, water and sand fire - is the name for the heat that is used in a kiln glaze - a glass paint used on pottery kiln - a special oven used for hardening clay greenware - pottery that is not yet fired in a kiln leather hard - the hard condition of clay when it is almost air-dry score - roughen the clay's surface so that a bond may be formed between two surfaces sculpture - a three-dimensional art work slip - a liquid clay used to glue two pieces together texture - press into the clay surface with objects to create a pattern, design or rough surface radial design – a type of design based upon a spinning, circular pattern Motivation- Looking and Talking Activity: The teacher will read aloud a Native American folk tale, “How and Why: The Painted Turtle – Sauk” Step-by-Step Studio Activity Specifics: Roll your clay ball in the palms of your hands, do not flatten the clay but compact it into a smooth firm ball for two minutes. Gently press and turn, press and turn the ball into a hamburger shape onto your burlap mat. Repeat this process until the hamburger shape is a bit larger than the palm of your hand. If your clay shows signs of cracking, you may add water droplets to the surface of the clay and rub them into the clay as you work. Slowly press in the middle of the clay shaped hamburger then turn the clay clockwise, pressing down and out to shape a pancake like slab. Do this step repetitively, and slowly until the round slab shape measures approximately five to six inches in diameter. Press into the clay with a variety of clay printing tools to create a radial design. Now take the second ball of clay that your teacher gives you and divide it evenly into five equal parts. Roll all five parts into five, smooth little balls. Then slightly roll out those five little balls into five “worm shaped” coils. Not snake shapes! Stubby worm shapes are what you need. Turn your larger turtle shell slab over and place it in the middle of your burlap placemat. The teacher should demonstrate with her own sample to his or her students how to score the clay with a pencil and then add tiny drops of water to the scored surface, pressing the attached legs and head with the palms of their hands spread flat against the clay joints. Crush soft paper towels and place a firm wad on top of the undecorated slab shell surface. Turn the pancake shaped slab over. Shape the turtle shell into a “taco” like shape. Gently position the legs and head of the turtle to your satisfaction. Carve a little smile and dot two eyes on your turtle’s head. Pinch a little tail at the back end of it’s shell. Do not remove the crushed paper until the turtle hardens over night. Remove the paper before firing the greenware. After the turtle has been fired, students may glaze three coats of every color at the very least in order to properly cover ceramic pots. Try not to apply glaze to the bottom surface edges of the turtle feet if it can be helped. Special Needs Adaptations: Modifications for the hard-of-hearing or deaf student: Student will be seated closer to instructor so they will be better equipped to hear instructions or read lips Student will be provided with written instructions so that they read about the discussions and demonstrations The instructor may use a amplification devise provided by the school or student’s parents Modifications for the student with limited vision or blindness: Students will be allowed to observe samples of art projects with their hands and for extended periods of time Students will be provided with safe tools and one-on-one guidance during a demonstration of the project The project may be slightly adjusted to accommodate the student’s limitations or for safety reasons Student will be given ample time to exist classroom before large crowds gather outside of the classroom. Modifications for students with mild brain injury: Students will be provided with duplicate instructions for home and school. Student will not need to remember to carry home materials to review. Students will be given ample time to exist classroom with a pre-determined aid or peer before the official end of a class. Instructor will provide for parent e-mail communication concerning the progress and needs of their student. Student may be given special seat assignment in order to enable his participation in class appropriately. Specific peers may be better equipped to articulate projects visually for this student. Health & Safety Concerns: There are no health and safety concerns for this project. Cleanup Time & Strategy: Students will be instructed to put away art materials neatly in their containers, clean off their tables, and recycle their trash two minutes prior to dismissal. Assessment: Fill out the formal scoring guide included below according to age appropriate standards. Close up of ceramic turtle Bottom of ceramic turtle Glazes are kept moist with water misting everyday inside of these foam egg cartons Student is pressing out a turtle shell. Parts of a turtle shell The finished project Directions for Ceramic Turtles, for the whiteboard all articles and lesson plans are copyrighted 2011 by Grimm

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Children’s books add so much to an art room. Not only do they provide wonderful inspiration for great art lessons but reading a book for 5 minutes can calm the children and create a lovely transition into an art lesson. Here are a few titles that will be transformed into art lessons soon…. 1. The

Pre-K books to read. Best Hibernation Pre-K and Kindergarten books. Books about Bears and Hibernation for your preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten classroom.

Easy and fun paper plate craft ideas for kids. Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter and bible paper plate crafts to make. Paper plate projects: masks, animals, fish, clowns, angels, birds,

THANK YOU to the band "They Might Be Giants" and this video: It was close to St. Patricks day and rainbows were in the air (figuratively) I talked with kids about prisms and how light actually "carries" our colors. That's why when it's dark you can't see colors as well. I found some cool gems in the old art closet and...BAM! Awesome project! Kids drew Roy G Biv in the corner and drew a wand. I glued the gem to the end and then they added their rainbow with crayon+paint. So. Cute.

Check out Austin11296's artwork on Artsonia, the largest student art museum on the web. Don't forget to join the fan club and leave a comment on the website.

Ideoita lasten kesäaskarteluihin.

From the Art Class of Mangapapa School

A blog about teaching children the basics of art and crafting.

A stunning collection of 12 Arty Crafty Snowflakes to try this Winter. Presenting a variety of techniques, from an easy winter craft to something more challenging for older kids!

2 Soul Sister Art Ed is an art education blog that delves into a myriad of topics within the realm of art education and other art-related subjects.

So, if you read my blog, it is no surprise that I am going to do a project with hearts for Valentine's Day. If you look on the labels on th...

Learn how to create beautiful marbled paper backgrounds for your Halloween art projects! The art project tutorial includes Free haunted house, bat and black cat shape templates!

Mrs. Knight's Smartest Artists, Dolvin Elementary School, Johns Creek, Georgia

I've wanted to make some sort of "quiet time" activity for M using a cookie sheet and magnets for a long time now. And it just so happened that the first real free time I've gotten to work on it corresponded to the beginning of Spring here in Texas. So, I guess it's only natural that the cookie sheet theme be flowers. I used an old, corroded cookie sheet for this project. The paint covers any ugliness. It was important though that I find a sheet that would stick to magnets. (Aluminum wouldn't work) The flowers are cut-outs from several old Martha Stewart magazines. They are covered with packing tape on both sides for durability. The magnets I put on the back of each flower already had adhesive backing; so that saved a little time. Painting the foliage was the most time-consuming part of the whole thing. (but relaxing and fun, nonetheless)M doesn't really understand the concept of making a bouquet, but she does enjoy moving the "flowies" around on the pan and naming their colors. I think I may store it away for now, and take it out in a few years to be used on car trips.

Ceramic Turkey and Hand-print Pinch Pot Lesson is a clay art lesson that is targeted to elementary (2nd-5th grade) and teaches both slab & pinch pot techniques. It is a fun & positive fall themed clay project that the children could use through the fall season.

Friends, Ima be honest with you. I've been in a funk. It started with a sinus-y head cold that morphed into no-energy-itis which developed into a bad case of nobody-likes-me, everybody-hates-me, I'm-just-gonna-sit-over-here-and-pout. I have blamed my cold and lack of energy for my bad attitude but, if I'm being truly honest, there have actually been a couple things eating away at my thoughts. And one of them has been teaching art. So here's the deal: I recently joined a group on Facebook called "Art Teachers". And it's pretty rad, interacting with art educators, seeing the work of their students, hearing their struggles and successes. But there have also been some, um, debates. It seems that there are two camps of art teachers out there: those that teach choice-based art and, well, those that don't. Now before I go tip-toeing into a land mine (because those aforementioned debates have gotten very feisty), lemme first say that I am not a choice-based art teacher. Nor do I know very much about the concept although I am intrigued. From my understanding, in a choice-based art room, children are allowed to work with their chosen art media to express their ideas. In a nutshell. Here's what I love about the idea: children creating art based on their own individual interests and inspirations. In a choice-based art room, the kids are routinely introduced to new media and allowed to explore their ideas with that new material. Or they can use whatever other supplies that have been introduced throughout the year. It sounds so happy and harmonious and free. In my imagination, it looks like a college art studio filled with little people sculpting, painting and weaving their little hearts out. But here's the thing that bothers me: a music teacher wouldn't simply show a child a room full of musical instruments, teach them a couple of the basics and tell them to then make music. Not without first teaching them all that there is to know about playing, writing and composing a piece, not to mention introducing them to both classical and contemporary composers. Because without those fundamentals, I imagine children would simply bang on the instruments, grow bored and lose interest. Is it possible the same might happen in an art room? I don't know. I've heard the argument that if you, as an art teacher, know what the end product of a lesson is going to look like, then the work of art is your own and not your students. This really really made me question how I teach. Am I doing a disservice to my students? Am I robbing them of their creativity and exploration? Is this Starry Night/collage/painting/weaving project recently created by 1st grade actually harming the creative exploration of my students? Again, I don't know. What I do know is that, like a classroom teacher giving a test to check for hitting benchmarks and understanding, I can see that my students learned the following (side note: each "Day" is a 30 minute art class. Yes, 30-super-short/very-precious minutes): Day #1: How to mix a shade of blue with black and blue. How to use a variety of brush strokes and lines to show movement in their sky like our inspirational artist, Vincent van Gogh. How to paint the secondary color green and create a texture onto that paper. Day #2: How to create a landscape collage by tearing the green paper and creating a foreground, middle ground and back ground. How to create a paper loom for weaving. Day #3: How to weave. How to use collage to create a house by cutting out geometric shapes from recycled pieces of paper. Day #4: How to add a star to my piece (see this post on how we marbled these stars) and have it tell a story in your work of art. Is it a shooting star? A falling star? An explosion of color? What can you think of? Day #5: How to add that house to the landscape and add other elements of their choosing to that landscape. How to brainstorm ideas for their work of art (what can go in the background? a dog house? a neighborhood? trees?). (Houses about half finished...still working out ideas for the background and the shooting star.) Knowing that they have learned all of this, is this lesson a bad one? I like to think not. My students surpassed my notion of what their completed piece would look like by adding animals, trees, dog houses, houses in the distance, moons, curtains in the window, you name it. But I did have a notion what their finished work of art would look like. Which again, brings me back to where I started. Sigh. Look, I've been teaching art for a very long time (this is my 16th year, time seriously does fly!) and I'm not even going to pretend I've got the answers or even a flipping clue. And I think those folks that do think they have all the answers are just fools. Or maybe cowards that are too afraid to question what they've always done. I mean, shouldn't we always be looking to do what is best for our students? So, I ask you, honestly, what are your thoughts? And, if I've offended anyone, choice-based or not, that was not my intention. Thanks, ya'll.

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Irises were among Monet’s favorite flowers. They lined the pathways leading up to the house and Japanese bridge on the artist’s property at Giverny. Monet applied thick purpl…

The Blog Candy Winner revealed and I'm sharing the Work of Art stamp set and Ray of Sunshine stamp set. Love these NEW stamp sets.

Elementary Art Blog

With so many different activities and crafts using clothespins, having them on hand is a great way to keep kiddos occupied for a good chunk of time.

This is a great one-day lesson for the young artists. For the older artists, they can handle drawing the hands, but the little ones like making hand prints :) I really like how striking these look in contrast with the white paper. The students used oil pastels to draw their bouquets and signed their names like Picasso did, right on the front of their artwork.

I treated my children with McDonald's smoothies earlier this week. We purchased them through the drive thru so they gave me a cardboard drink carrier. I took a look at the drink carrier when we got

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After learning about the history of puppetry and looking at different styles of marionettes, 3rd grade students created "no string" marionettes of their own. Each student sketched their animal design before beginning with their own puppet template. Brass pins were used to holed each hole punched piece together. Although there are no strings, the puppets are very animated when wiggled and swung with life as the students manipulate them in the air! Personally my favorite part of this project was watching the "Lonely Goatherd" video clip from the Sound of Music! So many of my students had never seen the movie! Fun to introduce it to them.

I stumbled across an old post that I did a couple of years ago. It was a project that I was particularly fond of, but had forgotten about. I wanted to reintroduce the technique to my daughter now that she was older and it was a great opportunity to update the old grainy photos. *This post […]

PAPER PLATE SHARK PUPPETS are so fun! CHOMP! This interactive shark craft is easy to make using the free printable template.