Book Plates

Another idea from D.I.Y. Kids and Scholastic.com. Make your own bookplates. Again, you must have some computer skills and a printer. I created mine on Adobe Photoshop. There is a tutorial on eHow.

Eye Spy!

I received an email from a former colleague, Joyce Contant who shared a really nice literacy project based on the Eye Spy books.  She told them to bring in their toys or found objects. Some picked a theme i.e cars, Hello Kitty, silly bands. Others just used whatever toys or found objects around the classroom. Students had to include a heart somewhere in their collage due to it being a February display. Their riddle followed the same rhythm as the Eye spy books, ensuring at least 12 items in their rhyme to find. The students set up the collage and then they took the photos. She sent me samples. Thanks for sharing, Joyce.

 I spy a lobster, a dragon, and an “R”,
A dolphin, a turtle and a multi-coloured guitar.
I spy a bird, 4 flowers, and a colourful two,
A music note, a star, and a “C” that is blue.
By: Zheyuan Zhou

I spy a ballerina, and a mermaid doll,
A button and a little marble ball.
I spy a dime, a penny, and a snowflake,
A red car, a number 3, and a striped cupcake.
I spy a tiny pink purse and an orange square,
A small heart earring and a little white bear.
By: Fadwa Syaed Ahmed

I spy scissors, a red magnet, and a car,

802, a helicopter, and a yummy Kit Kat bar.

I spy a glue stick, and an army guy,

A heart, a fork, a knife, and two red die.

I spy an airplane, and a triangle that's green,

A rocket ship, a stamp, and a small lima bean.

By: Milo & Dawit

Valentine's Day Hearts

My daughter has been sick the last couple of days so we have been making Valentine's hearts. These ideas were found on Kids Artists- a blog maintained by Jacqueline. I have attached the links to the blog for the lesson plans. 

 This one is called Connected hearts and can be found on Kids Artists . 

Here are two variations to the Cubist Heart. It was originally a Christmas tree on Kids Artists but I changed the subject to a heart. We did it two different ways. The first one was done with markers and the second one was done with marker and acrylic paint.Which one do you prefer?

Finally, these hearts are inspired by Jim Dine. More information at  Kids Artists.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Art Soap

I have been wondering what was the best way for kids to paint on soap. I have made soap bars using special laser paper using clear and opaque soap. But it's a more complicated process and kids aren't usually part of the process except to make the artwork.

I wanted an art activity that only required one class to complete.  I was happy to find this idea on a website while doing late night art cruising.  

All you need is one bar of opaque soap like Ivory, acrylic paint, small brushes and paraffin wax.

Yesterday, my daughter decorated two bars of soap.
1. She began by designing an image directly on the soap.
2. While she was painting (1 inch cube), I found a small amount of parafin wax and broke into two small pieces to melt quickly. I chose to use the microwave.
3. Once the art was dried, I quickly dipped the top of the art in the wax ( 3-5 seconds will suffice). Don't let the artwork touch the bottom of the container.
4. Voila! Ready to use or gift wrap. It's an easy activity to do.

Artist Suitcase

At the beginning of every school year,  I send home a suitcase and I ask the students to bring 5 things that represent themselves and their familes. The suitcase contains a journal and markers. After March Break, I send the suitcase home again. This time it contains art supplies. Students take turns bringing home the suitcase. The student has a few days to come up with an art masterpiece. I give each student paper canvas 12"x12" and they can do anything they want. When they present their work to the class, they answer the following questions: What inspired you? What materials did you use? What do you like about your piece.  What would you do differently next time?  The expectation is that they use art terminology and be able to articulate areas of improvement and identify elements of design. Its a fun activity and the kids are excited about doing their homework.