Block Out Poetry or How to Steal Like an Artist

So I've decided to share this lesson, because several people asked me about it. Of course I did not invent it. The title if this post pretty much sums it all up. Several years ago I saw something similar to this at my local library and I was in love, INSTANTLY! So  about a year later, I was watching a TED talk  by Austin Kleon austinkleon.com and I was so excited to introduce it to my seventh graders. I must admit that last year when I introduced it, it was sort of a one fay filler project. The results were mixed to say the least. So this year I put more effort into preparing the lesson, and having the kids plan out their work. I introduced it with the Ted talk, which of course piques their interest with the title, then we looked at Tom Phillips website, BUT,,,,,, this time when I handed them their pages to work on, I gave them 3 EXTRA COPIES! Drop the mic! That made all the difference. The students now had an opportunity to make a couple of rough drafts with their art, and pick their favorite to remake neat and clean for their final copy. I think everyone was really happy with the results this time.

1st Grade China Exploration

The 1st graders are investigating China, sooooo I extended their learning in art class. I was trying to find projects that helped to me teach concepts,  not too crafty. I am so excited about the outcomes. These kiddos really put their first graderness aside to have some serious learning time.

So we began with the Terra Cotta Warriors. We watched several videos and read some books and talked about what features they needed to include to make sure their audience would know what it was they were looking at without being confused. I was a bit nervous about this project because we just got our kiln this year, so this is the kids first experience with clay. So they practiced the techniques with play dough first, so that when they came in the following week they already knew what to do.I am in love with the one with the GIANT feet!

We followed the Terra Cotta Warriors with  these organic shaped Cherry Blossom tree branches with a printed chop. We used India ink for the branches and allowed them to dry for a little while they made their chop. The chop was a small piece of styrofoam with a red waterbased maker. To be honest, I think that red tempra would have worked better, but too many materials with this group makes my eye twitch! They finished up with  oil pastel blossoms.

The final project of their China investigation is these Ming vases. The students learned about tints with this project. After brain storming ideas  about what to include on their vases.  We talked about brush control and letting some areas dry before adding details. After they dried, the students added the shadows and glued them to the background. 

Introducing.....

Welcome to my first blog post! I just got back from NAEA 16 and had such a fantastic and inspired time meeting so many of my arts PLN. I have been encouraged to start my own blog, not a school blog as a place to reflect on my professional practice and challenge myself do more! So welcome.