Clay Bobbleheads

This art lesson concentrated on working with clay, encompassing both sculpting and basic clay techniques to create the bobbleheads. It started with an online presentation introducing various techniques, the nature of clay, and its applications. Following the presentation, I provided a live demonstration at the students' tables. The initial step involved dividing the clay into two balls, followed by crafting pinch pots, as demonstrated by me. Subsequently, students fashioned the body, shaping a cone-like structure for the base. Adding details like arms, legs, eyes, nose, and ears. To facilitate drying, students hollowed out the base of their creations. Throughout the process, the teacher distributed materials and shared insights into clay techniques. Once the sculpting phase was complete, students transitioned to painting. Following the painting, students composed a brief description of their animal, totaling at least three sentences. Finally, the finished works were displayed.
 

An extension activity could be that the students partner up and choose each other's projects to research. Then afterward they could share what they learned about each others animals.

If Picasso Built a Snowman

 During this lesson, students will explore the artistic technique of cubism through the lens of renowned artist Pablo Picasso. They will engage in crafting their own snowman, drawing inspiration from the cubist movement and Picasso's style. The lesson starts with a presentation delving into Pablo Picasso's life, his significant contributions to cubism, and essential background information. The presentation covers various aspects such as definitions, and biographical details including family background. Following the presentation, students will receive guided instruction from the teacher on sketching the snowman using pencils, ensuring attention to detail. Once the sketching phase is completed, students will proceed to outline their drawings using black markers. By using crayons, students infuse their snowmen with vibrant colors, allowing for creative expression and individualized design choices. Upon completing their snowman illustrations, students will use white oil pastels to create delicate snowflakes against a backdrop of watercolor wash. The teacher will provide guidance on watercolor techniques, ensuring the optimal visual effect. As students attend to final touches, the teacher facilitates a brief review, prompting students to recall Picasso's identity and involvement in the cubist movement, while offering commendation for their efforts. Completed artworks are then placed on drying racks and later proudly showcased in the hallway display.

An extension activity could be that if it was winter, the kids could go outside and build their own snowman and connect it with a science class.

Ocean Scene

 This lesson delves into the exploration of marine life beneath the ocean's surface using a variety of artistic mediums, including watercolor and crayon. It commenced with a visual presentation highlighting diverse watercolor techniques and their applications. Through guided instruction, students practiced these techniques on scratch paper, totaling six in all. Upon completion, students transitioned to their main project. Displayed on the screen were various examples of sea creatures, providing inspiration, while students also had the liberty to search for images on their own devices. The project encouraged independent creativity, allowing students to select their preferred marine animals and underwater scenery, with the stipulation of incorporating at least three elements evocative of the sea. Initial sketches were rendered in pencil, and later overlaid with crayon coloring, excluding the water background. The artwork required the incorporation of three distinct watercolor techniques. Upon completion, students' work was placed on drying racks and subsequently displayed.

An extension activity could involve science and biology. The student can research different sea animals.

Hidden Safari

 This project is devised to engage students in optical illusions and stimulate their understanding of color. To commence the lesson, the teacher initiated a discussion on color and color theory. Following this, students viewed slides featuring various animals, prompting observation and discussion. Subsequently, students selected drawings of safari animals like giraffes, elephants, and gorillas, then received a blank sheet of paper and a blue colored pencil. They lightly outlined their chosen animal in blue before coloring it with warm hues such as red, orange, and yellow, incorporating patterns like swirls, squiggles, and dots. Once their hidden safari scene was complete, students crafted red glasses to reveal it. Using a provided template, students cut out sunglasses shapes from red paper and affixed pre-cut red plastic lenses. After allowing the glue to dry, students could use their red glasses to unveil the hidden images. This project captivates students, who are enthralled by the "magical" transformation brought about by the interplay of colors.

An extension activity could involve science. The student can research their own animal and learn more about them. 

Van Gogh

 For this project, it is a play on Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night. The materials used for this project were oil pastels, construction paper, and colored tissue paper. The process consists of choosing what kind of landscape the students wants to portray. In this lesson, students will learn about Vincent Van Gogh and his contribution to art. Along with that they will learn short, quick facts about him and his life. I can foresee this project being successful for younger kids since it is loose and doesn't require fine detail. 

An extension exercise could be writing about where the scene is taking place. This way the kids could connect with their finished work. For example, if they made a desert scene because their grandparents live in Arizona. 

Dot Day

 

This lesson is a short communitive project in which schools around the region participate. This project serves as a nice experimental experience for kids. Materials that were used were markers, a coffee filter, oil pastels, crayons, and water. This project begins with students cutting out a shape of their choice and then using aluminum foil and water to paint. The markers allow the effect of watercolor since they are water-based. This project could be awesome for Valentine's Day, it is simple and straight to the point. 

An extension activity could be that the students create paper hearts to go along with their large heart. 

Creating Prints

This project is all about printmaking. It starts with a foam plate that was pressed in with a pencil/crayon to make an animal or pattern. After the indents have been made, we move over to another table where a variety of colors are available. To make the actual print color, students must use a brayer to roll the ink onto the foam plate. After the plate is evenly coated, students will press down their design to reveal their very own design. The next step is using an opposite color to fill in the background. This project was very enjoyable and I can see how the students will enjoy the process. 

An extension for this project could be that as a class we all tape together our prints to create one large class print.