A Special Lei For You!

Aloha everyone! :)  We traveled to Hawaii for the day!   Kalei taught our last lesson that was intended for fourth graders.  First she shared some of her culture, which included the language and special ceremonies they honor in Hawaii.  She told us specifically about celebrating May Day there.  This is a day in which they make many leis and give them to others!  In fact, leis are what we made for this lesson!  To start making the lei, we first painted on watercolor paper different colors to use for our flowers.  Once the watercolor paper was dry, we cut out flower shapes from it, as well as colored construction paper flowers.  With each flower we were to use a paper hole puncher to make a hole in the center to string the yarn.  Then we were ready to put our leis together!  We took a piece of colored yarn and attached a bobby pin to end of it to help string.  We then started stringing our flowers, and between each flower we placed a green cut straw to represent the stem.  We were to put at least 24 flowers on our lei.  When our lei was complete, we were to give it to someone special.  There are many people in my life that are speical to me, but I decided to give my lei to my mom when I see her next, because she is my best friend and I love her dearly! :)

Wearing our completed project! :)

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have my students share a special tradition they take part in with their family and friends.  We would make PowerPoint presentations as the students will share their tradition through slides of describing the tradition, pictures they may have about it, and reasons it makes it special to them! :)

Abstract 3-D

The next lesson we had was taught by Mariah, Amanda, and Cara, called "Abstract 3-D."  This lesson was geared for fourth graders, and its main focus was on 3-D design, which shows the depth, width, and height of an object.  The lesson was connected to the Dr. Seuss book called, Oh the Places You'll Go.  This book showed examples of 3-D, which were: curves, twists, bends, folds, and stairs.  The purpose of the project was to create a 3-D town or city using all types of 3-D creations out of construction paper, like the Dr. Seuss "Whoville!"  The first step in the project was decide whether to use warm or cool colors.  I decided to choose warm colors (red, orange, and yellow).  To make the 3-D design for our unique town, we needed to use three different types of folds to glue down to our paper.  The three folds were to replicate objects in real life (like a tunnel or a slide).  The object was for it to come off the page to show dimension!  My folds included twists, a tunnel, zig-zags, spirals, loops, and a heart structure.  Once we were done adding our 3-D creations, we added our frame with one of the warm colors we used.  The last step to this creative lesson was to name it..."Sara-Silly-Ville," was what my 3-D town became!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have my students in Language Arts create a short book using the Dr. Seuss style of writing.  The book would be about the 3-D town they created.  To incorporate the Dr. Seuss style, the students would use rhyming and out of the ordinary objects to share about their creation they made.  The students would have an opportunity to use their imagination and explore crazy ideas to make it Dr. Seuss style! 

Clay Coil Pot

Kelsey and Ella taught us the lesson, "Clay Coil Pot!"  This lesson is geared for fourth graders, and is focused on clay modeling and the technique of coiling it.  The first step in the lesson was to knead the clay.  We each got a ball of clay about the size of a fist.  We worked with the clay to get all the air bubbles out.  To check for absence of air bubbles, Ella and Kelsey used a tool called a clay cutter (which is a thin wire string with two wooden handles on each side) to slice through the center of the clay.  If there weren't any signs of bubbles, you were to move on to the next step!  Next, we made a base for our clay pot, which is a thin (not too thin though, because we need to support the clay! :)) circle.  The remaining clay we had was to be used for the pot, using the coil technique.  We rolled a chunk of clay back and forth between our fingers on the table until it stretched out into a snakelike shape.  We continued to coil pieces of clay, and combined them into one long coil.  When we combined them it was important to "score" them (meaning taking a clay tool and scoring or making marks in the clay, which acts like an adhesive where the two coils meet).  As the coil piece started at the base, it continued to wrap around, increasing the height of my pot.  We also added drops of water to patch up holes between coils or smoothing the inside.  Once your pot was to the height and size you desired, our next step was to add our name at the bottom with one of the tools, as well as a symbol.  The symbol was to be something that was important to you and/or your culture.  I chose a cross inside my pot at the base.  A cross was chosen, because my faith and relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ, is everything to me!  This clay was a type of air dry clay, so it did not need to be fired in a kiln.  So we were advised to wait a day to let it dry and harden in order to paint it.  Once it was dry, I painted my coil pot pink, teal, purple, and yellow, because they are some of my favorite colors, and I like to combination of them together! :)  This clay project was an enjoyable lesson to take part in!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have the students get together in groups to find out background information and the history of clay pots.  They can find the what, why, where, and how they were used in the past as well as today.  Each group will present the information they find through a brief verbal presentation (using a poster or other idea they may have!), a skit, or PowerPoint!  This will give the students an awareness of the benefits clay pots have around the world.  

Railroad Printmaking

The next lesson was, "Railroad Printmaking, presented by Allyson, Danielle, and Elizabeth.  This seventh grade lesson gave us the experience to work with the printmaking technique.  We first created a pattern on our styrofoam rectangles with a wooden carving tool to make the train car.  I chose to put my initials SME and big and little hearts for my pattern!  I had to remind myself to make my letters written backwards, because when I printmake my patterned car, it will be opposite when I lay it down to print.  I was then ready to print!  I chose yellow paint on orange construction paper.  I rolled the paint across my styrofoam piece with a roller, making sure it got covered well.  Then I flipped it over to stamp my print!  We were able to practice and print it as many times as we liked to get our three cars that were needed for our project.  What is neat about printmaking, is that it doesn't have to be perfect, and that every print will be different!  Once the train cars were dry, I cut all three of them out.  Then the next step was to make a South Dakota scene, which included your train you made.  I made a railroad track for my cars, wheels for the cars, and cargo for each car.  I put gravel, corn, and wheat for my freight.  They were to be three materials/crop that are common to travel in and through South Dakota.  I then put a sunset in the background as we end our day, with two Canada geese flying over the cornfield.  Then in the forefront, we have a little stream with cattails, in which we see a fish jumping out of the water.  Makes me want to go fishing! :)  That is my South Dakota scene of printmaking!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have the students write about a day spent out in the beautiful prairies of South Dakota.  We will talk about the importance of incorporating details and descriptive adjectives like we are talking about in Language Arts lately.  This writing is going to give the audience a sense of what they saw, heard, felt...using their senses to give the reader or listener a sense they were there right along with them enjoying the great moments made that day too!  

    

Marbled Sightseeing

The next lesson was taught my Karissa and Jami, which was called, "Marbled Sightseeing!"  This seventh grade lesson focused on the design of marbling.  We were first shown the method of marbling, and then given the fun task we were to complete!  First, we were all given a different famous place around the world.  This was the subject your project was going to be about.  We drew our famous place with pencil, by using the contour (outline) drawing technique.  I got the Statue of Liberty in New York!  I drew the outline and the details of the statue followed.  Then we were to trace our place drawing with a permanent marker.  After that, we cut out the drawing, still leaving the marker outline.  Then we were ready for the marbling technique!  We went to the trays that were prepared already where we squirted some shaving cream into the bottom of it and spread it to cover the bottom of the pan.  Then we added the paint.  We were to use three adjacent colors on the color wheel.  I chose to use yellow, green, and blue!  I squirted the paints with the dropper, and spread it all around with the different tools available to create the swirly "marbling" effect!  I used a comb to spread it around, making it look like a marble of colors!  Then I placed my Statue of Liberty face down on the shaving cream/paint mixture.  I pressed firmly on it, to make sure every part of my drawing was covered.  When I felt it was ready, I lifted it up and out of the pan.  I then scraped the excess shaving cream and paint with a scraper, and before my eyes a marbling effect appeared on my Statue of Liberty!  What a neat project!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have my students create a PowerPoint presentation to go along with their famous place around the world.  They would be given the opportunity to have time to research their subject, and compile the information needed.  Then we would have a presentation day to share every one's famous place PowerPoint.  We just might need to make some popcorn to enjoy while listening to presentations that day! :)

Macrame Madness

"Macrame Madness" was the next lesson taught by Karli and Britlyn.  This sixth grade lesson is about the art of macrame, which its Arabic origin means "fringe."  It is "the craft of knotting a diversity of geometric patterns without availing the use of hooks, needles, or hoops."  We were able to experience using this skill to make a keychain or bracelet by using hemp string and the weaving technique that goes with it.  We learned step by step how to complete this project, which I had a lot of fun with!  First we combined all four strands together to form a loop and a knot to begin.  We then taped the very top part of our strand of strings down (mainly the loop) on the table to secure it and be able to do the weaving technique with the long strings.  With the four strands of string we had to work with, we pulled one string tight, and made the letter four with one string, and took the other strings and pulled it through to make the knot.  This process helps very much if you can visually show it, more than sharing it verbally, because the steps are fun, but may get confusing at times!  Karli and Britlyn did a great job of answering any questions we had as we worked on it.  As we worked, we were encouraged and knew to do the best we could, and the more you practiced at it, the more you caught-on to the technique!  As you continue to do weaving technique, you will start to see the natural twist the knots make, making it look like a spiral.  Three beads were added of our choice to make it more colorful and personal!  When you made it to a desirable length, you finished it off with a knot.  It was great to have the choice to make it as a keychain or a bracelet!   

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, we would go more in-depth with the history of macrame, by splitting the class into groups to make a video in relation to macrame history and background.  Each group will have a different topic, and they will research information about it, and shoot a video to present to the class.  I will encourage them to use their creative minds and to have fun with coming up with a unique way to present their information through video!   

Hot and Cold Animal Puzzles

The next art lesson that was taught was "Hot and Cold Animal Puzzles," by Sadie, Lyndsey, and Chad!  It was a third grade lesson focusing on warm and cool colors, as well as lines and shapes forming a pattern.  We first we were all given one piece that would go to one of the two giant puzzles as a class we were going to make.  One puzzle was going to include all warm colors, and the other puzzle was going to have all cool colors.  Each of us was assigned one or the other, mine being cool colors (green, blue, and purple).  First, we drew an animal on our piece, making sure we made good use of our space.  I chose to draw a fish for my puzzle piece, because I love to fish!  Another aspect that I drew a fish, is that fish are cold-blooded animals, and I have "cool" colors being incorporated in my puzzle so they relate in that way.  Next, I colored my fish using cool colors, and showing texture with patterns of scales for my fish's body.  To complete the piece, we were to use lines and shapes for our background, keeping mind, to continue using cool colors.  The other aspect we were assigned was what type of shapes we were to include.  I had the opportunity to draw geometric shapes, while others drew organic shapes for their puzzle piece.  To finish the project, I added an eye and a smile, and my fish-cool-colored puzzle piece was complete!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, I would have my students write a mini book in Language Arts about the animal they drew on their puzzle piece.  We would make little homemade books for the students to draw their pictures and write their creative material on the pages.  It could be nonfiction, so the students could include facts about their animal.  It could also be fiction, in which the students could use their imagination, and create a made-up story about the animal they have.  We would have sharing time for any of the students that would like to share their animal book they created with the class!

Hoppy In Plaid!

We continue with our great time of teaching lessons!  This lesson was very familiar to me, because Marissa, Ashley, and I taught this first grade lesson!  Our lesson was called "Hoppy In Plaid," because our lesson incorporated the use of vertical and horizontal lines to make a plaid pattern on a bunny creation.  It is a "spring" theme, because we are currently in the season, and we have been blessed with beautiful weather lately!  We discussed the colors on the color wheel, specifically focusing on the complimentary colors being: red and green, purple and yellow, and orange and blue.  We continued by applying the horizontal and vertical lines technique of a plaid pattern.  For example, if your group had the purple and yellow complimentary colors of paint at your table, you would paint yellow horizontal lines first on the white paper, let them dry, and then paint the vertical lines to produce the plaid pattern.  Once the painted lines were completely dry, we took the bunny pattern and cut out from the painted plaid pattern the body, head, ears, and feet to form a bunny!  The next step was to assemble the parts with glue, and paste it on a piece of colored construction paper (one of the two complimentary colors that you used, which is why I chose yellow for my outline!).  Then we cut around the bunny leaving  a little of the construction paper outline or frame.  The final step was to add a face and inside ear outlines to your bunny.  And you can't forget the cotton ball tail!  We had a fun time preparing for and presenting this lesson! :)



Our bulletin board Marissa, Ashley, and I created of our class' plaid bunnies!

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, as a class we will discuss the different places and objects around us that have plaid and with that discussion we will form a list.  Like in Science, when we talk about the word camouflage and the purpose of it, we will have the students draw a plaid object that their plaid bunny could "hide" or camouflage in.  For example, an item could be a plaid shirt, so one of my first graders could draw a plaid shirt and include their plaid bunny within their "plaid camouflage surrounding!"  

  

Blind Contour Spring Drawing

In Art, we have begun the exciting time of teaching lessons!  This is a great opportunity for us future teachers to get ideas to use in our own classroom someday!  The first lesson was presented by Maggie, Hilary, and Laurie.  Their lesson was called, "Blind Contour Spring Drawing," because when we drew our spring scene we did not look at the piece of paper.  On a 12x18 drawing paper, we took our white crayon and drew three flowers on it.  As we drew, we didn't look at the paper in order to perform "blind contour" drawing.  If we wanted to, we could add grass, a sun, clouds, birds, etc.  Once we were done drawing all the objects, we got to take a look at it.  Then we were to go over the white crayon lines again by pressing firmly to enhance it.  This will help later when we add the paint.  The next step was to take a paintbrush and brush over the entire drawing with water.  The water made the drawing ready for watercolor paints!  We were reminded to use warm and cool colors for our paint.  We discussed warm colors being, red, orange, and yellow.  We also talked about cool colors being, green, blue, and purple.  I painted my drawing with those colors and made it look "Spring-like!" :)  Once the drawing was all covered with paint, the markings made by the white crayon appeared through the paint!  What a great project to get us excited for Spring! :)

Extension Activity: For an extension activity, students would make an acrostic poem using the word "SPRING."  The students could write about what they do in the Spring or things that make them think of this season.  Their creativity would shine through as each poem would be different.  Once they are complete, I would hang them up in the classroom. :)