Wampum Belts 4th Grade

4th graders study Native American history in Social Studies. They also study Pennsylvania history. In art we are learning about the tribe that lived where we now live, the Lenape (luh-NAH-pay) or Delaware Indians. The Lenape were known for making wampum- beaded belts used for trade. Huge thank you to Phyl at Dragon in My Art Room blog for this awesome lesson. Today was day one- the planning day. Each box represents one bead. So many kids were able to connect this to a popular app Minecraft. Check out a student example at the top. The picture below is my sample.  

Asian Ink Wells

5th grade is making inkwells and brush holders out of clay. They will be creating an Asian-inspired painting after they are completed. Check out day one!

Cardboard Sculpture

1st graders are learning what it means to be an artist this first year in the art room. We discuss different types of artwork: painting, drawing, ceramics, collage, and much more. We are now focusing on sculpture and 3-D work. Using pre-cut cardboard shapes, students decide and arrange an abstract sculpture. Once they are satisfied with the shape they apply dots of glue at each joint. Here's our first day of building.

Extra Value Practice

When 4th graders finished up their monochromatic value paintings they could practice mixing different values. Check the progress out.

Gyotaku Update

2nd graders finished their gyotaku fish prints complete with an environment.

Who's Ready For Summer?

This student's Wayne Thiebaud-inspired cake slice got me thinking how summer is almost here!

Who says art teachers hate glitter?

2nd graders are adding their signature "chop" in red glitter instead of traditional Japanese block printing. These look great on our gyotaku ocean scenes.