Grade 3 learned how to create an Abstract action painting inspired by Jackson Pollock. They learned how to critique their artwork as an artist and a viewer. This was part of their Aesthetics PYP UOI Unit. They are ready to go on their field trip now to view artworks of the Expressionist movement 🖼️🤩
Students learned about American Artist Claes Oldenburg. They created Hamburger 🍔 collages inspired by Oldenburg. Students used a variety of materials to create their toppings, they were encouraged to think out the box and recreate their favorite foods as hamburger toppings some included ice cream 🍦, chicken 🍗, egg 🍳, pizza 🍕, sushi 🍣, and more.
Students then glued their creations on a paper plate and made a red and white paper weaving tablecloth as the final touch.
Students learned about Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky. Students learned about abstract art and how to express feelings through color, shapes and lines while listening to music for inspiration.
Students created a Kandinsky inspired painting using all elements of art in one composition.
Last students used yarn adding actual texture and emphasis to lines.
Grade 4 students learned about Andy Warhol and his contributions to the Pop Art movement. Students learned why Warhol was inspired by Campbell’s soup and used it for his print making technique.
Students learned about form and how to draw using this element. Students began by designing their Campbell’s soup can. Some invented their own flavors and ingredients. They then created a 3 dimensional can using foil and label. Students were encouraged to focus on their design, letter placement and image to grab the attention of the consumer. Lastly students created ingredient labels and placed them on the back of their cans.
This project included both elements of art and principles of design.
This is one of my favorites! My Grade 4 students learned all about Frida Kahlo and her brilliant self portraits. This was a multi-media lesson beginning with a guided demonstration on how to draw Frida. Students used oil pastels and watercolors to design their portraits and background. Lastly students created tissue paper flowers for her crown.
My Grade 1 students had fun choosing funny animals to represent Frida. They used sponge paint to design a textured frame. Students created tissue paper flowers to add actual texture and black felt for Frida’s infamous unibrow.
I must say I’m obsessed with the outcome and the amazing artwork of my little artists.🎨💓
After discussing the history of Native Americans and their art, totem poles, tee-pees, dream catchers and watching a quick introduction video, we began our projects.
1st Grade Tee-Pee Project: Involved lines, shapes, foreground, middle ground, and background. They first used crayons to draw different lines on manila paper. Then they painted white paper using brown for foreground, red for middle ground, and blue for background. Next they drew a triangle on the back of their lined paper and cut it out. Then glued their triangle to their painting with the lines facing up. Then I gave them two Popsicle sticks to glue to the top of their Tee-pees.
4th Grade Dream Catchers: We used paper plates. I gave them reference sheets of native american symbols and we went over what they meant. They designed the rim of the plates with native american symbols and designs. Then they cut out the center of the plate and I had them use watercolors to paint the front and back of plate. Next I used a whole puncher to make holes around the inside of the plate and gave them weaving instructions and yarn. Once they were done weaving we added feathers and a loop of yarn to the top for hanging.
Through this lesson, students will learn about Native Americans from the northwest. Students will study the culture and artwork of these native people. The idea of stylizing artwork will also be addressed as students work together to make a two dimensional version of a totem pole. Finally, students will learn about symbolism and what various animals mean to the Native Americans of the northwest.
My students visit Mexico twice a year in October for “El Dia de los Muertos” and again in May for “Cinco de Mayo”.
So Lucky 🍀 of course they need their passports. (Which I created for them for my “Art around the World” unit.
In May students learn that Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). I explain that in Mexico 🇲🇽 it’s a minor holiday but in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.
In addition students make sombreros, Papel picado, and learn about one of my favorite Artist Frida Kahlo and yes I dress up like her. My students love all my costumes and I love giving them life long experiences. I also give them information about Diego Rivera. Students create self-portraits inspired my Frida as well as a collaborative mural inspired by Diego. 👩🏽🎨❤️🇲🇽🎨
For Black History month in February I teach my students about the African American artist Faith Ringgold and her style of art, which was Quilting. My favorite story to do is Tar Beach. I have my students imagine that they can fly, and ask them to draw themselves flying over their favorite place with their favorite person. they then write a story behind their picture around the frame. We then add lots of fabric to frame their story and place them altogether to design our very own class quilt. Here is a picture of my door. I like to always motivate them with a door design theme.
Tar Beach Class Quilt
Amazing Art Teacher 