Saturday, December 1, 2012

November Work- Soft Crafts- Patterns- and Symmetry

Ugly Dolls- Under Construction!- By 4th Grade



Grade 2- Turkey Collages

These Second Grade Turkeys demonstrate classroom work and discussion centered around collage, invention, and symmetry.  Students were asked to give their turkeys wing feathers, tail feathers, and head feathers, use a variety of color and show cutting that uses symmetry.



Introducing the UGLIES!  November has been about pattern, symmetry, and soft crafts.  This blog update is just a tiny sampling of some of the projects we have been working on.

Forth Grade has been creating ugly dolls.  Ugly dolls are a trademark toy that the children all seem to love.  I think because they are so ugly, they are deliciously adorable.  In order to accomplish this task students have all learned to thread a small sewing needle and do the pinning work all by themselves.  We discovered the hardest part has been in tying the knots.  The students who had some sewing experience have been wonderful helpers to me and their classmates.  Some of the Uglies are getting finished up just in time to snuggle with for the holidays, or to become holiday gifts, and each one is so unique.  What has been a wonderful joy to see is when the students complete their doll, they have started "playing" with them, or designing clothes for them.  A nice reminder of the innocence and magic of childhood.  A side note:  I learned that "back in the day"  sewing was part of the Boston Public Schools curriculum for 4th grade.  I am a believer that it is a great skill set to have.


Project Runway-
In October third graders each completed a skeleton drawing, with discussion about learning and understanding the skeleton is important for artists because it helps us understand the human form.  As a follow up lesson, students become designers and design their own look for a holiday party by sketching out the human form- with attention to proper proportion, and then use fabric samples to create their look.  I was not surprised to learn that we have some future fashion designers in the group!

Ohio Sawtooth Pattern- By Grade 1

Here is a selection of quilt squares created by first grade students in Mrs. Goodhue's class.  Students learned about the American craft of quilting as an art form, and how to use a pattern and a selection of fabric to create a work of art.   Some students worked hard to follow a pattern, others were very into looking at and feeling the different textures of the fabric.  Together, their work creates a wonderful impact.



In December we will focus on more soft crafts such as weaving, and circle weavings,  animals, animals in art, animals of the Arctic, and of course some festive ornament creations.  

Square 1 orders are due in on 12/17/12.  I'm looking for creative, constructive feedback from West Parish Families.  Do we like Square 1, or Art to Remember?   

THANK YOU!
It truly takes a village!

Lisa Groleau!  Thank you for all of your support for student achievement.  Your presence in the art room has been the reason students have been so successful!  

Sheri Lewis!  For helping with the take down of the Creature's of the Night Show!!  Thank you for your willingness to be the "display committee" !

Mrs. Francis for helping organize artwork for Square 1

The Grammas Family for a hearty donation of yarns and needles

The Giordano Family and Sandra Morgan Interiors for a wonderful selection of fabric samples for some of our soft crafts!

Gratefully, Mrs. Morgan