Second Grade Architecture Birdhouses

We began this lesson by brainstorming about what job we could have if we wanted to grow up to be an artist. We looked at posters like the ones below to help guide our thinking. Some of the jobs are: Photographer, Art teacher, Interior Designer, Fashion Designer, Fine Artist, Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer and of course, Architect.

2nd grade artists read the book, "Iggy Peck, Architect," which is about a boy who LOVES architecture and happens to be in 2nd grade! 

We thought about various types of architectural elements like Iggy did and created our own architecture in 3 birdhouses. We practiced our knowledge of the color families and chose one for each of our houses.

Finally, we drew birds for our houses and colored them with oil pastel, cut them out and glued them to their houses. What happy little birdies we have! :) 

Learning Goals: 
I can list a variety of art careers.
I can design architecture.
I can use the color groups: primary, secondary, warm & cool.
I can blend oil pastels.
I can create a collage.

1st grade Princess and the Pea

First grade artists thought about the differences between an author and an illustrator of a book. We talked about art careers and what we could be if we wanted to grow up and be an artist. We then looked at two renditions of the book "The Princess and the Pea." One was more like the original tale and the other was more of a modern spoof on the story. The illustrators chose to do their artwork very differently. 

We noticed the different textures  of the donated fabrics that we had and glued the strips down to pile up the many mattresses for our princes and princesses. We also worked hard to blend watercolor cold paint colors in the background. 

4th Grade Fashion Design with Clay

4th grade artists studied various art professions that they could be if they decided to pursue art in a career. One of these jobs is a fashion designer.  We watched a news article about a 13 year old fashion designer named Cecelia Cassini. She is so young but making a big splash in the fashion design world even at her young age. Sometimes it pays off right away to follow your dreams and sometimes it takes time. We tried our hand at fashion design when we created our own sketches of various outfits, then chose our best own to craft out of clay. (art element = form).

The slideshow that I created to go along with fashion design is viewable on the below link:

Fashion Design Slide Show CLICK HERE

The write up of the lesson plan is below:

Fashion Design Lesson Plan CLICK HERE

4th Grade Form - Castles and Architecture!

4th grade artists studied the art career of Architecture! We looked at various castle architecture throughout time and specifically the Neuschwanstein castle. We discussed the differences between shape and form and then sketched our own castle architecture. Next we took on the job of actually creating a 3D castle out of clay while thinking about textures, score, slip and seal, carving, adding clay details etc. Finally, we designed a landscape for our backgrounds!

4th grade Graphic Design and Folk Art Patterned Turkeys!

4th graders reviewed their knowledge of the Folk Artist Heather Galler.  We noticed how she used tons of patterns and simple shapes. We created our own Galler style turkeys (inspired by Thanksgiving) and added pattern while thinking about balance and color theories. Finally, we talked about Graphic Design in the world around us and practiced designing lettering for the words "Give Thanks!"

Third Grade Spooky Silhouette Architecture

Third graders are looking at art professions. After brainstorming many of them, we settled on the art profession of architecture. We noticed the many types of buildings that an architect can create. We blended our warm sunsets or cool moonsests in the sky with watercolor paint. Next we drew some spooky architecture inspired by the season! Finally, we added details with white oil pastel. We had such fun! :) 

1st Grade Castles

1st grade artists are learning about various art professions! They looked specifically at the job of an architect. We read the book, "Who wants a dragon?" and looked at the way the illustrator drew the castle and dragon. We then became architects and created our own castles!