Abstract Clay Tiles

This unit was one of my favorite units to teach this year! Grade 2 students investigated abstract art, artists, color, texture, and shape to express an emotion of their choice. Here is was what we inquired into during art classes...

Transdisciplinary Theme: How We Express Ourselves 
Central Idea: Expression can be abstract.  
Lines of Inquiry & Key Concepts: Artists choose certain colors, shapes, and textures to portray different emotions and feelings. (Connection) Audiences have their own point of view and make different connections to colors, shapes, and textures. (Perspective) Artists reflect on their technique and self-management skills to determine when artworks are the best they can be. (Reflection) 
Focus Artists: Wassily Kandinsky and Frank Stella

The students were introduced to this unit through a provocation discussion regarding the difference between Abstract and Realistic art. A range of artworks, examples, and photographs were set up at different tables and students discussed the similarities and differences between the art pieces. This was a great way to get students comparing and contrasting and also to assess students' prior knowledge. At the end of the discussion the students were able to describe the difference between realism and abstraction.

In the next lesson, the students were exposed to a variety of music and painted abstractly using lines, colors, and shapes according to how the music made them feel.

 The students then learned about the Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky and his love of music and art. They enjoyed watching this short video to learn more about his life as an artist and musician. We also read the book "The Noisy Paint Box" by Barb Rosenstock for further inspiration.

The following week, the students explored and discussed art works by contemporary artist Frank Stella. They enjoyed comparing Kandinsky and Stella's work, and used these artists ideas to start organizing their thoughts on how certain lines, shapes, and colors make them feel.

The students then started designing in their sketchbooks an idea for a final clay piece. They focused on an emotion of their choice and the lines, colors, shapes and textures that could reflect that feeling.

Once their ideas were planned, we began creating with clay! The student's created two versions of their abstract clay tile. One was taken home and one was used as a permanent mural installed within the school. Creating two tiles was a great way for reflection and peer feedback throughout the creative process. The students were very impressed and proud of their beautiful abstract work!

Magic Sandbox & Clay Sculptures

I love sensory play, It makes me wish I could be four years old again. I suppose it's a good thing I am able to spend my days teaching, playing, and learning right along side my cheerful reception class!

The first few sessions of art with my new group of four year-olds has been so much fun. I am slowly introducing line, shape, and color while also teaching how to use materials and art tools appropriately.

On the first day of class we talked about line and took turns making up our own lines in my "Magic Sandbox." I poured salt over colored paper that had been glued down in a recycled box. When the students press their finger in the salt to "draw" the colors underneath show through. They absolutely love it!

 After playing in our "sandbox" the students worked on making and matching lines with pipe cleaners. It was a great activity for them to build up their fine motor skills.

We then put that bending, folding, and tying to good use by creating some sculptures! The students were given a small piece of clay that they rolled into a ball and stuck with as many kinds of lines as they could think of. They really enjoyed it and every student came up with something unique. 

                 

The next class session the clay was dry and the students painted their lovely open ended line sculptures. We also reviewed how to take care of paintbrushes and practiced a bit of color mixing. 

I am so proud of my little artists! 

Here are a few examples of their finished sculptures!

The Art of Line

It is so nice to start the school year with students who are eager to learn and jump right back into art class! My P1 students have been doing some wonderful work and I am happy to share what we have been up to!

During our first class together we reviewed the art element of line. Line was something we had discussed and created with last year in their Pre-K class, so it was familiar to them and a great starting point for lessons to come. We began by reviewing line on the white board and discussing how to take care of and properly use our paint brushes. The students then sat in groups of four or five at tables and practiced painting lines on a large piece of paper.

They enjoyed sharing the colors and took their time moving around their table to cover the space.

Once the paper was covered with beautiful lines, we played a wonderful game I found on a variety of different blogs and websites called "Walk the Line." I had taped two sets of "lines" on the floor of my classroom and had two groups of students line up behind each set. The students had to listen to which line I said to walk while doing an action/dance that had been made up. The whole class really loved it and all of us had so much fun while listening to music. 

    

Best game ever!!

During our next class we reviewed line again and began discussing sculpture. I had previously cut their large line paintings into smaller pieces and our line sculptures were born! 

I loved the discussions that took place while they created their free form line sculptures. Some students decided theirs was a water park or roller coaster ride, while others described crazy buildings, haunted houses, and cool playgrounds. 

So far we are having a blast learning together! I am so happy to be starting another great school year with such creative kiddos! Can't wait to share what we are up to next!