Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Circle Painting with Third Grade!


     These circle paintings were an awesome way to kick off our school year in third grade art!  We were inspired by circlepainting.org, and I will absolutely do this lesson again.  The simple concept was that each table of students would work together to make a collaborative painting based on circles.  The paintings were started by one group member painting a circle in the middle of the paper.  Then everyone else could begin painting.  We agreed that everyone was to play an important role in their group's painting, and that no one would completely cover up any work that another artist had done (although overlapping was encouraged!).  As a group, each class came up with artist expectations and also consequences for artists who did not meet the expectations.  We then had virtually no behavior issues at all as the students worked.  They were excited and really enjoyed this.
     This process was all about inclusion and collaboration.  We stopped along the way to discuss the artworks and the students were encouraged to keep their conversations related to their painting.  We spent three classes working on the paintings (we used skinnier brushes each time), and it really was an easy way to get the kids back into the artmaking process as well as our art room procedures.
     I poured lots of different colors of paint into individual cups so that each student could have one.  As the students were working, I gave them special instructions every few minutes to pass their paint and brush to the person to their right, or to keep the same color but to move to a different space at the table.  This helped to keep students interested and focused during their studio time.  I LOVED THIS PROJECT!










Monday, September 16, 2013

Back to School WHIRLWIND! 1st Grade Printmaking and 3rd grade Sunglasses Portraits!

     My goodness have I been busy since school has started up again!  We've really had a great start to our year here at Suffield Elementary, but I just haven't had any time to update my blog with the awesome work hanging in our halls.  I always have a grade level or two make some artwork toward the end of the year that I can keep over the summer.  This way I have something to hang up before the students make new work after school starts.

     I've seen so many great circle printmaking lessons on amazing blogs that I forget where I might have seen it first, so I don't know who to reference!!  The kids really liked this lesson that we spent about three classes on.  I set up different paint color stations, and the kids printed with toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls and other circular things I found in the art room.  We finished by printing with our fingers, filling in some areas with paint brushes, and then we cut out the artworks into unique shapes.










     I was first inspired to do these fun self-portraits with sunglasses from my wonderful friend Mrs. Susa who was my cooperating teacher when I student taught TEN years ago.  I cannot believe it was that long ago!!! WHOA!

     Anyhow, I remember that she had done these large portraits with the kids with sunglasses and I just loved them.  I've adapted them a bit, but they always remind me of Mrs. Susa!!