Focus on texture -4th grade clay sculptures

As always we began the unit with one entire class dedicated to exploration. This time I also asked them to create these small texture samples. 

Exploring textures in clay. Thinking of having students look at Van Gogh’s drawings as inspiration. #ceramics #projectbasedlearnjng #choice #workthatmatters #sethgodin #clay #3dart #artsed #apsarts 

During the second class I gave them labels with varied textures such as feathers ripples of water, scales, etc....and asked them to match the labels to a texture one might use to crate that texture. (These are in Spanish, I teach in a Spanish Immersion school) 

I tweeted: "Exploring different textures in clay- #immersion #spanish #apsarts #artsed #ceramics #artteacherlife "

12/2/19

I learned during teaching this class today to never underestimate planning. I gave students a quick set of instructions on how to draw their ideas in a way in which we can "see" all 4 sides and set them loose. Last year I had all kids make mugs and allowed them to choose what they decorated their outside with, this year, I have chosen to not give them any uniting "umbrella" subject. I was a bit nervous at first but within 20 minutes I realized I had made a great decision in letting them choose. Students went right to work image googling their ideas, some wanted to make a car, some wanted to make a mug, others simply wanted to make a sculpture of a creature or animal their liked. The class was an hour and 10 minutes and every child sat for that long planning out their idea. 

I also encouraged the students to walk around and share their ideas with peers to get feedback. Here are two students discussing their ideas freely. 

Whether or not the image is drawn to scale does not matter. Whether or not it matches what they found on google images also does not matters. What matters is that the idea is clear to them. 

In noticing the variation of ideas coming forth I decided that next week I will have to give a brief lesson on proper attachment of pieces so that I do not have many pieces to repair after firing. I also encouraged them to keep thinking about their idea during the week and if they changed their minds all they'd have to do is bring in a revised sketch by the next class. 

Sumi-e, Japanese Brush Painting- an exploration

2nd Graders have studied landscapes this year and just last week we did an exploration of watercolor and basic proper techniques of this medium. This week, these same students were exposed to various Japanese brush paintings of landscapes. The kids learned how to vary their water/ink mixture, as one would in making food, to bring about varying tonal results.

I encourage all Murch parents to buy ink, watercolor paper and a good watercolor brush and try this activity at home.....You need a bowl to make the mixture and a very little amount of ink will do.
This child met the objective of the day. She was able to create varying tones in her work by adjusting the water and ink ratios.


This is a projection of a Japanese ink painting we looked at to get inspiration.

Watercolor explorations (2nd Grade)

2nd graders were introduced to watercolor paper, which is much heavier than regular paper. They also used a wonderful technique of creating an instant 'frame' for your painting which I picked up from fellow Murch parent and artist, Regina Holliday.

This is not just any ordinary watercolor palette. This is a metallic watercolor set......the colors were brilliant!!

Children used masking tape to create an instant 'frame' for their watercolor paper.

Storytelling Class Update

For the afternoon storytelling class (Fridays for 20 K and 1st graders) we have been creating props for the story Three Little Pigs. Children practiced various emotions that each character felt at different parts of the story while sitting in a circle. Some kids made teeth for the wolf using rolled tape, some kids rolled paper for the 'hair' and glued them on. This coming Friday kids will take turns playing each part and being the audience.

Note: I will also be ordering some finger puppets and table puppet theaters for future classes.

2nd Grade Winter Scene Prints

Children in 2nd Grade created multiple winter prints. We first listed all the images that pop up in our heads when we think of outdoors at winter. Children framed and labeled their prints as professional printmakers do.....(hence the numbers).

Printmaking Frenzy (2nd grade and 1/2 combo class)

2nd Graders have been working on winter inspired prints.
This artist is rolling on the ink onto his printing plate.
These are the winter prints created by the 2nd Grade artists.
A child pull a print......THE most exciting part of this whole process.
Wow...this looks great!!
Look at all these beautiful colors!!

2nd Grade Explore symmetrical designs (Lipshie)

2nd Graders (and the 1/2 combo class) are exploring symmetry using mirrors. We looked at various ancient containers that had symmetry in their design. Then they were given jar-shaped papers to design. The children became utterly fascinated by the mirrors (as you can see from the pictures).

Once done, children made other unplanned discoveries. They learned that many mirrors facing each other give you an amazing set of repetitions.
hey! a 360 degree mirror!!
What do you see?
This child even made a symmetrical image of her own name!