Movement Unit

My second graders started this unit by inquiring into movement and body shapes within art. They began by comparing and contrasting different artists and how movement is portrayed in a variety of ways and styles. Our focus was on Keith Haring and we discussed the simple contour lines and shapes within his work. The students then set off in their sketchbooks drawing poses of their choice, practicing different lines and shapes to show their chosen movements. Before we started sketching, we viewed this short animated clip of Haring's work. It definitely inspired some new poses as well as dance moves!  

 

After the initial practice sketches, the students were split up into small groups of 3 or 4 students. As a group, they needed to design a body shape in a moving pose of their choice. They also needed to decide on colors and details that would influence the feeling of their final piece. Once students had practiced and designed in their sketchbooks, they recreated their plans on a larger scale and the real fun could begin! 

One person from each group was traced on large paper in the pose their group had chosen. They worked together to add their colors, lines, shapes, and designs.   

When all their work was finished each group presented their final piece to the class describing their final title and artistic choices within the piece. During critique we also discussed our accomplishments as well as any challenges we faced while working as a group. The students loved talking about each other's final work and had a lot of questions for one another. They were very proud of what they had accomplished together! 

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!