Self Portraits & Etching

Our second week in art brought more self portraits and the 1st step in an etching activity.  Students used mirrors to assist them in sketching their features.  These will be compared to their end of the year portraits after we learn more about proportions, body movement/placement, balance, etc.

  Our 3rd graders began an etching activity after learning about the 5 main types of lines.  We observed a painting by Matisse, Interior in Yellow and Blue, and discussed his use of all the various lines.  Students will continue this activity next week.  Our younger students completed their beginning of the year assessment in which they demonstrated their knowledge of shapes, patterns, lines, as well as the correct use of scissors & glue and following specific directions.  It was another exciting week!

Lesson Learned

We learned many lessons this week, both the students and myself.  The kiddos learned, and are still learning, to work together, use materials respectfully and safely as well as think creatively.  It will take some practice, but we will succeed together.  I, however, learned a valuable lesson that could only have been learned through classroom experience.  After working hard to create and fill our material containers for each table, I realized that more is not always better.  If we are not using a supply in the basket, then don't have it in the basket.  As excited as I was to let the students experience different kinds of art tools, it became 20+ kids in an "art candy" store.  Too many, too quickly, so out they came until we need them.  We will learn to pace ourselves and still have a great artistic experience.  Looking forward to learning together!!!

First week of fun!

The first week of art went by like a flash!  I met all 500 of our students and it was quite a blur.  After our initial meeting and discussion of basic procedures in the studio, our third through fifth grade kiddos worked cooperatively to create a circle map recording all the art project, styles and media they would like to learn this year.  Our littles, kinder through 2nd, began by creating a self portrait to compare with our end of the year portraits.  It was an awesome first week!

Meet the Teacher

Ready for meet the teacher! Had a great night meeting excited kiddos ready to start the art!! Looking forward to an awesome year!

•  Thank you to all the parents that came by and shared their excitement as well!  Polser Parents are the best!!!! You make us so Polser Proud!

Crayon Sorting Helpers

Brought some more helpers to our room today. My mother-in-law Jane and great aunt Gail, visiting from Illinois, joined my ever popular helper, Aaron (my youngest son) to assist in more bulletin board creations and various odd jobs, while I met with some wonderful school colleagues.  They separated crayons by color for the students to easily replace the colors they need. It's getting closer.  12 more days until we start the art!!!

Color Wheel Extraordinare

Right before leaving for vacation, I finished a giant color wheel for our classroom that is almost 5 feet across.  Students will be able to bring items from the world around them that match the color wheel.  My hope is for students to recognize that there are many color combinations, tints, shades & values all around them if they just stop and look. Now to get it hung up in our room......

Art Studio almost ready!

Making progress in our classroom.  Had help from my son, Aaron, and Ms. Brant putting up bulletin boards, adding chair/table sliders "stilettos", filling supply buckets, hanging table group color splats, etc.  Getting even closer to filling our room with Polser friends.  Not a lot of time left to wait!

 Just waiting to display our creativity!

Supplies to help us get started :)

Paint Splats and Supply Buckets

Finished paint splats for color groups in the classroom (cutting out, painting and edging with ribbon).  Each table will have its own primary or secondary color with a matching color basket for holding supplies.  The palettes will be attached to the side of each basket.  Went up to paint the classroom so it's now ready to decorate! The room will soon be ready to welcome all our eager students.

Smocks ready to be speckled!

Worked until midnight, but finished them all! We have 28 smocks ready to be worn by our creative artists, ties and all! Started working on my table signs and supply baskets. Pictures coming soon.....

Finally finished sewing all of our art smocks. Only have to add the ties! Had some fabric from the art room and the rest donated by my generous mother. Can't wait to have the students break them in. Speckled smocks are the best!

 

One too many trips to Michael's

One of my many trips to Michael's.  I think it has only just begun!  When they start greeting me by name then we know I have a problem.  Went up to the school today to clean some more.  Making real progress and more excited every day!