Carolyn Braden's 1st Grade Art: African Masks

Here are my 1st graders works of art in progress: Mixed Media African Symmetrical Masks. After drawing half of a mask in oil pastel, we said our magic spell and rubbed it with the handles of scissors. We made a ghost print by rubbing it and then outlined it to make it darker. We are using color sticks and oil pastel to fill in the shapes and backgrounds. The students learn all about African art prior to this project via a Powerpont presentation and after the project, they write a short story to read during show and tell. There's a lot to this project but it is worth it because you can squeeze a lot of art content into it. It also produces some amazing art!
The original idea came from an art teacher in Paducah, KY but the spell, pre-assessment and story are my own. Here's my spell. The teacher says it and the students repeat.
Hokey Pokey,
Smokey Wokey
Boo! (Repeat)
Oh African mask spirits
lend me your ears.
Make my mask
the best mask
you've seen in years!

Kinders: Fish Bowl Mixed Media

Thank you to one of my Kinders for reminding me to take pictures for my blog! I've been so busy teaching students and forgot to take photos to showcase what they are working on. Here is step one of a mixed media project I'm doing with my Kinders. We drew it and are now working on coloring with warm, cool and neutral colors. Next, we will paint over the crayon to create a resist painting. Students will then create a mosaic on the table. At the end of the project, they will write a story about their art. In their story, they will pretend they are the fish and will tell what they would do if they could get out of the bowl. They will share their stories and art with the class.

Square 1: The Stickers Are In!

The Square 1 stickers will be sent home this week. Look for the packets to come home with your student on Thursday or Friday.
I must brag a little about my students:
They did an AMAZING job! The stickers look fantastic!

Here is some information that will be included with their packets:

Dear Parent/Guardian,


Coming home to you is a school sponsored elementary fundraiser called Square 1 Art.

Your child has been busy making beautiful artwork that can be made into many fun products such as magnets, t-shirts, mouse pads, ornaments and much more!

The money raised from this fundraiser will enable the school to continue its efforts in supporting our visual art program.

TWO WAYS TO ORDER

1. ORDER ONLINE at www.square1art.com/shop

Type the website above in your internet browser on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Create an account using the unique access code located on the top of your FREE Stickers. Preview your child's art on products and purchase gifts. Look for the order deadline also located on the top of your child's free stickers.

2. PAPER ORDER FORM

Should you not be able to order online please complete the paper order form enclosed in your order packet and return it to school.

2nd Grade Artists: Pop Art Fruit Bowl Still Life Sketch

This 2nd grader pre-assessment worksheet tells me they are gonna rock this project! They understood overlapping and the word opaque (the bowl is not transparent). I'm so proud! Can you believe this photo is just one of their sketches ?

More Square 1 Project Results

Here are some more of my students Square 1 Art projects. These are projects from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades.
Remember, each student will receive 20 large stickers (free!) with their art on them. You will have a chance to order other products with their art on them if you wish. Look for their stickers and order packets around October 17th!

Upcoming Projects: October 2012

After students assess their Square 1 projects, they will continue to stay busy in my art class!

Here's what we'll be working on in October:

Kinders: "Shapes" Mosaics
1st: African Symmetrical Masks
2nd: Pop Art, The Still Life
3rd: African Sunsets
4th: Native American Shields
5th: Kentucky Celebrations, Derby Style Art

The 2nd and 3rd grade students will be participating in the PTA Reflections contest with their upcoming projects. The 5th graders will be participating in the Derby Festival and Derby Museum "Horsing Around With Art" contests with their upcoming projects.

We also do "Be Creative" Centers every six weeks and students will be receiving their first "Art Store" paycheck very soon.

Square 1 Projects Are Looking Great!

The students Square 1 projects are looking amazing! Schaffner students still amaze me every day with their talents! Here is a sneak peek at some 4th graders Pablo Picasso African abstract portraits.