Gingerbread houses -kinder

Drawing a snowman

Kindergarteners tracing holiday themed shapes

            Today I did a google search for simple holiday images that could be recognized immediately by their shape alone. I cut them out of folder material and used them with my kindergarteners. They were super simple. I cut out candy canes, bows, gingerbread man, mitten, star, gift, hearts, candle, holly leaf, tree, dove, ornament, etc. 




I demonstrated to the students how to use both hands to properly trace the shapes. Most importantly, I also demonstrated what to do if I lose my place and my shape moves. You simply move it back to its place like a puzzle peace. 

Notice the fine motor skill practice being used by this child below. 



Students showed great pride in their work. 



These are sample drawings created using markers on 12"x18" paper 

Architecture unit with 2nd grade

I was inspired to begin an architecture unit with 2nd grade because it would connect with what we have already done with printmaking and colllographs, but also, because they very much enjoyed working in printmaking last week. I got this book for free and it was a major inspiration. 





Inside was a book, a very useful chart and various stamps that if combined could be used to explore architecture. The stamps were tiny. Great for one person, but, for a class that would be impossible to bank on these materials. So I printed a few resources for students to choose from and make one stamp, larger, about 1.5-3" squared. 

Because I teach in Spanish I added the Spanish words for these building parts. They will come in handy when we begin writing about our structures. 





Here are just a few samples of the stamps we will be using next time to create a 2d rendition of an architecture design. 

I tested out various mediums to see which one gave me richer results. Printmaking ink was not a winner. Students would have to not only roll the right amount of ink on each stamp but also put equal pressure on all parts for the prints to come out successfully. 


Tempera paint was not only messy. I used a brush to apply the wet medium. But the same issues came up as with the printmaking ink. 


Last, I created a stamp pad using Styrofoam trays and felt. I poured India ink on the felt and it functioned very much like a giant stamp pad. The only thing is that students would have to be reminded to rock the stamp up, down and side to side for all sides to print. I will also find some wooden blocks to use as stamp handles, which will help in bringing equal pressure on all parts of the stamp. 

Personalized mugs

After exploring the properties of clay students were assigned a final project which was open ended enough for them to be able to personalize it to their needs. They had to make a mug that also encompassed something they loved. First they researched online for their idea and were able to generate various possibilities for their idea. Once they had an idea they had to sketch out a view of the mug from all 4 sides. The drawing had to show three-dimensionality but also accurately depict all sides accurately. They were shown two videos. One was about how to make a basic mug with clay and the second one was about how to add details to their sculptures. The videos are added here further below. 

Below is my demo drawing of what I expect to see in their sketchbooks after they research and come up with an idea. 

Sample of a student's finished plan drawing in their sketchbooks. 

A simple agenda helps keep everyone on track no matter where they are in the process. 1. have a plan in your sketchbook, 2. make your mug, 3. add details, 4a. if not done, write your name on a baggie, moisten your mug and place in baggie, zip it well. 4b. If done, write your name on the bottom and leave to dry in a separate box. 

Love seeing some finished mugs!!!