Moai Statues

I recently discussed Easter Island with my third grade students to fit in with our current culture unit. They were amazed by the huge Moai Statues that cover the tiny piece of land off the coast of Chile. There is not much recorded history of the people that once inhabited Easter Island, so after viewing a short video clip describing the statues, my students and I discussed the possibilities of how and why the enormous carvings are where they are today.  

We also discussed the features of the Moai Statues. Their long noses and heavy eyebrows, with their long frowns carved deep into the rocky surfaces. Why would they look this way and how can we tell that they are supposed to be human faces?

After our discussion the students were in for a surprise. I had previously made sand clay the night before in order for us to construct our own miniature Maoi Statues. The recipe is actually very simple and calls for only a few ingredients, it worked out perfectly! The finished product really resembles the stone that was used for the real statues.

I demonstrated for the students how to roll out their clay, pinch details with their fingers, as well as make dents and carvings with their clay tools. When the students were finished with their statue, we painted them with glue and glued them onto a decorated cardboard base. The project was a huge hit!

Gyotaku Printmaking

I have done this project with second grade students multiple times, and  as always we had a blast this year!

Gyotaku is a Japanese form of printmaking that began in the mid 1800's by fishermen. The fish were printed on rice papers as a record of the fishermen's catch. This type of printmaking is still being done today and is regarded as an art form. The prints themselves are actually very beautiful and detailed. 

I showed my students a video of a contemporary Japanese artist who practices Gyotaku printing. We then discussed how printmaking works and what kinds of materials are used. After questions had been answered, we began painting a background that would later be printed on top of.

The following class period is when the fun really begins. We print with real fish! There are so many gasps of excitement and surprised "eww's" from the students when I demonstrate what we will be doing.

Here are some photos of the different times I have done this lesson. The kids always have a great time and learn a lot about a new culture and art form. It is always a class favorite!   

Texture Projects

I recently introduced the art element of texture to my Kindergarten classes. I began by passing around different items (cotton, sand paper, etc.) and we discussed how each different item felt. I then described how in art there are two types of texture, actual and visual.

For our first project we worked with visual texture. The students used plastic textured templates to rub with crayons underneath their paper. They were so excited as the patterns became visible. I also encouraged them to use as many different colors as possible and cover all of the white spaces on their papers.

The next part of this project I actually saw via Pinterest, and it really worked out great with the students. I passed out small pieces of clay that were to be rolled into balls. The students then pressed them into their plastic templates to see and feel the texture. We then glued the clay onto the papers. It was really an awesome way for the kids to see both actual and visual textures. 

For our next project, I wanted to start using more clay. At the beginning of class I read the book The Mitten by Jan Brett. We talked about each animal and how it would feel. My favorite animal in that book is the hedgehog, and what a great animal to discuss with texture! 

I demonstrated for the students how to roll and pinch the bodies of their clay hedgehogs. Eyes and toothpicks were then pressed in. During the second class, we painted them. I absolutely love how each one looks so different! 

                       

Both my students and myself loved this project. They are hilarious! 

Ugly Dolls

My middle school art classes only meet for one term. It always seems incredibly short, and I try and fit in as many fun projects as I possibly can.

My sixth grade girls class was absolutely wonderful, so for their final assignment I decided to finally try out the Ugly Doll project that I hear other art teachers raving about. 

The original Uglydoll was made by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim in 2001. Their line of plush dolls has become increasingly popular and their designs are so unique. Kids love them! My sixth graders had a great time designing their dolls and sewing them together. Below our some of their final ideas. They turned out great!