End of Year 2019

First Grade Spring Tree Collage

Have a Wonderful Summer! 

I hope you can make time and space for creativity, this summer,

for yourself as well as for your children. Here are a few ideas:

• take some chalk outside, wet or dry
• get out the watercolor paints
• keep a drawing journal
• get a white board for drawing
• make a  weaving loom out of a cardboard box
• make a hide-out from a large box
• draw in the sand
• make a sand castle
• make a collaborative drawing on a napkin
• get some air-dry clay and create small sculptures
• dumpster dive and make a cool recycle object of art
• read a book and imagine the pictures...

                      Some magical moments in the art room this year:



A primary student's drawing on a white board. The white board
allows that magical feeling of non-permanence;
the ability to erase and start over, the infinite possibilities.
It also feels so good to glide the marker over the smooth surface.

A kindergarten student mixing paint colors
(primary colors plus white): This is a favorite activity
 for many. The combinations are endless!
 

 

Two kindergarten students enjoy drawing together,
with the forbidden "Sharpies" no less!

 

A first grader decided to make her weaving with a
color pattern. Weaving can be very relaxing
once you get the hang of it!

A first grader "fills in her body" with the people
and things she most cherishes.

A second grader decided to create an "old-timey" airplane.
We found a photo and he created this model completely
 by himself using recycled items in the art room.

 

The second graders were challenged with a Watercolor Line
Challenge: Create as many different kinds of lines
as you can in one art class. "This was really fun!"

 

A third grader creates a shadow box that expresses her identity.
The boxes will be displayed in the library through Graduation.

The third grade "Personal Portrait" project: Create a portrait
that tells something important about you and includes:
1. all, or part of your body
 2. a meaningful object
3. a meaningful setting

 Suggested Summer reading for parents:

This book explains the importance of TIME and SPACE for children to spark their imaginations and explore their creativity. It's a quick read and full of great ideas. In this era of so much "screen time" this book holds the space for true creative expression.

(available on Amazon)