1st Grade- Patterns, Shapes, and Sizes

This first grade project covered a lot of curriculum. The first day we talked about patterns and borders. Students used rulers to create a border and then drew a pattern in the border with construction paper crayons.

The second class, we talked about geometric shapes (shapes with names and rules) and made a list on the board. We also discussed organic shapes to understand that there are other types of shapes. We then talked about different sizes, particularly small, medium, and large. Each student received 3 pieces of paper (which were the primary colors). On each paper they had to draw three geometric shapes, one small, one medium, and one large. They then had to cut them out and glue them on their black paper. Some even make figures out of their shapes.

Adaptive Art- The Dot

Did you know that National Dot day was September 15th? For this reason, we read The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds. We then created artwork based on the book. I cut paper's 9" x 9" and squirted three dots of glue on them about 3 inches apart in a triangle shape. I then put the paper in a gallon size zip-lock bag and sealed it. Students were able to press on the bag and manipulate the paint. The mixed the colors to create new ones. We also learned that you can use a Q-tip to write letters in the paint. Here is the result.

I used yellow, turquoise, and magenta, because I realized that these mix prettier together than yellow, blue, and red. 

Adaptive Art- Flags

I wanted to continue the skill we did last class of tearing paper so we created a flag. This lesson fit in perfect because it was the same week as 9-11. We read the book The Art of Freedom, How Artist See America. But now as I look through my bookshelf, I wish I would've read September 12th, We Knew Everything Would Be All Right which is written and illustrated by first grade students in Kenneth, Missouri.

Here is our finished project. I already had the blue paper cut to size and put 4 horizontal lines on the red paper so the students would know where to put the torn white paper.

Adaptive Art- Butterflies

In adaptive art we created butterflies by gluing torn paper. Started the lesson by reading the book, A Book of Colors, Butterfly, Butterfly by Petr Horachek. The students really liked the pop up butterfly at the end.

We then tore paper together and glued it down with a glue stick. I already had the butterflies pre-drawn for them.

Adaptive Art

This year I am teaching an adaptive art class to students with special needs.  Most of the students are 6-7 years old, but their performance level is well below level. My plan for this year, is to help them work on their fine motor skills. Although it might be challenging for me to create lessons that adapt to their needs, I believe this will be my favorite and most rewarding class this year. The first day of class we  did a crayon rubbing. I glued the crayon rubbing to the front of a composition note book and wrote their name on it. We begin each class by doing a simple drawing in our sketch books such as draw a picture of your self, your favorite animal, a house, etc.

3rd Grade- Warm and Cool Weavings

Day 1- In class we focused on warm and cool colors. We took a 12 X 18 inch paper and folded it in half. Students were then instructed to paint one side warm and the other side cool colors. They could paint any design they wanted because it is going to be cut up later.

Day 2- Cut the paper into half. Took the cool color side and folded it in half hamburger style and cut slits in it (like you are creating a lantern). We then took the warm color side and cut strips the short way. We used the warm color strips to weave over and under through the cool color paper.

Kindergarten-Cutting and Gluing

I wanted to start with a basic cutting and gluing project. Students cut thin strips of bright color paper and glued then on black paper to make it pop.

When we cut we sing "open shut, open shut. This is the way we cut, cut, cut. Fingers on the bottom, thumb on the top. Don't let the paper drop."

When we glue we say "just a drop, not a lot."