Have a great summer everyone!

If you know anything about me then you know that I collect and love ROCKS!  I am always looking for new ones to add to my collection.  I brought some in for the kids to look at and I thought we could discuss the rock cycle and also do a nature project.  We talked about the artist, Andy Goldsworthy, and how he used natural materials to create beautiful works.  The kids were so excited and for weeks brought me rocks:)  We created natural sculptures using wood, rocks, sticks, and toilet paper rolls! 

To learn more about the artist, Andy Goldsworthy, please click the link below.
http://www.morning-earth.org/ARTISTNATURALISTS/AN_Goldsworthy.html

I have a TON of students in band in my art class, so I decided to do a Jazz instrument lesson!  The music teacher was so helpful and provided me with some Jazz knowledge and music sheets for my bulletin board.  He too was doing a Jazz lesson for Jazz month (April), so it was the perfect timing for this musical instrument lesson!  We discussed the history of Jazz and types of color schemes (primary, secondary, warm and cool colors).  I will definitely do this lesson again!

Besides incorporating Common Core and art history into my lessons, I always like to include the art elements and principles.  I will give a more detailed description of those later, but they are referred to as "the building blocks of art." 

Ted Harrison is such an awesome artist to discuss with elementary students!  His work is so bright, colorful, and fun.  The kids really enjoyed this project.

 

To learn more about the artist, Ted Harrison, click the link below.

 

http://www.thars.ca/ted_harrison/

One of my goals for the 2013-2014 school year was to have the students write!  Yes, write!!!  Not only is it good practice, but it also allows the students to reflect on their choices and to think critically!  This cereal box project was so much fun and fourth grade got super creative!  What do you think?

 

I was lucky enough to be able to take a small group of sixth graders to the Zoo!  We accompanied the high school art club and had a blast!

 

Who remembers these silly rabbits?!  Penny and Sprinkles brought a lot of happiness to the elementary school!

Here is a cool project that involved....MATH!   Fourth grade created this mural and as we added squares each week, the students were asked to calculate the area of the mural. 

Third grade designed beautiful cats inspired by the artist, Paul Klee.  The kid's "Klee Kats" turned out so nice and three were selected for a summer art gallery!  Congratulations, third graders!

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about the artist, Paul Klee, click the link below!

http://www.biography.com/people/paul-klee-9366304#awesm=~oHKFCUEbw3KWCE

Anti-bullying shadow boxes created by our sixth graders! 

Review of the 2013-2014 School Year

 My first year at Avella Elementary has been truly wonderful!  I feel so lucky to work with such wonderful people every day.  This was my first year of teaching and I learned so much, especially from the students.  One of my favorite quotes is by a man named, Elbert Hubbard.  He says, "The teacher is the one who gets the most out of the lessons, and the true teacher is the learner."  I just love this and I really feel like our students teach us the most valuable lessons!  I plan to get some art work up from lessons that we did throughout the 2013-2014 school year.  I hope you all enjoy!