Sixth graders are finishing up their Blue Willow china patterns after learning about monochromatic color. (*Note that some of these are just works-in-progress, and I don't know why that last one rotated 90 degrees.) They are looking GORGEOUS. They actually began this project last spring, after reading The Willow Pattern Story, but I was out for 2 weeks due to minor surgery. Things moved rather slowly with the sub, and we would have had to rush to get them done before the end of the school year when I returned. I had planned for them to be on paper plates, but when I looked at their design plans, they were so good that I agreed to put the designs away and hunt down plates in yard sales all summer. (Their designs were either based on an element or elements of the story, or told their own story. They were to include a border design, and some of the plates had a raised pattern that I allowed the kids to use if they desired.) As a result of my yard sale shopping, everyone gets to paint on a "real" plate! The kids are using a variety of blue Sharpies for drawing, and painting with Nasco Bulk-krylic paint in pthalo blue, ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, and white. We are then sealing with a gloss acrylic varnish. I'm so proud of these kids!Here's some other things we've done to start the year:
Today first graders used watercolors to paint some variations of the sunflowers in my art room (from the school garden).
Second graders started the school year with a warm and cool variation of "A Bad Case of Stripes"
Fifth graders' first project of the year was a quickie symmetrical name design. I've seen similar projects posted on other blogs.
These are all pretty spectacular!!! How many plates did you have to buy?? I absolutely love them all!
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence, I am doing a blue and white china lesson too. Only mine are bowls, and not plates.
ReplyDeleteI love the plates!
ReplyDeleteThe plates are OUTSTANDING!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for the kids to be able to take home custom designed China plates!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePhyl You are amazing! You go all out for your students!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all the ideas!
I always think the same thing when I read your posts.
ReplyDeleteI am loving these! You rock. You and your kids are lucky to have each other. I feel so fortunate to get some inspiration after a very loooooong day of trying to inspire something besides defiance.
Christie - I bought about 40 full size plates, and a couple of bowls, and I also ended up with a bunch of small plates that we've been using to test out paint techniques etc. But I don't think I spent over $15 total, maybe less. But I went to a LOT of yard sales!
ReplyDeleteHolly - a couple of kids ended up picking bowls, and I painted one as a sample, and it's definitely harder to draw and paint in the bowls. I'm interested in seeing what your kids do with them. Where did you get your bowls?
Thanks everyone for your sweet comments!
Erica, remember, I've known most of my students since kindergarten; as a matter of fact many of their parents were my students when I first came to the school district in 1985, so that really helps in terms of behavior and attitude. Plus my rural kids are eager, there's no gangs, I have a fair budget for materials, and nice classroom in a building that's just 11-1/2 years old. I'd be making more money teaching some other places, but I feel pretty lucky to be where I am, especially since when I took this job, I didn't think I'd stay more than 3 or 4 years.
You are so sweet too:) Thanks Phyl. A good teacher is a good teacher no matter where. I posted something about bullying I hope you share if your workshop is any good. Thanks. e
ReplyDeleteI'm also doing this very same project with my 5th grade at the moment and I am loving it! I let them choose between flat paper plates, rolled edged coated paper plates and paper plate"bowls". Your really set the bar high by hitting all those yard sales! All I did was go to the grocery store! Your students work is outstanding and you are an inspiration to us all.
ReplyDeleteAh the art of teaching art to children! So inspiring. We should have a special day to appreciate all the wonderful things that are being done to make the art experience magical for kids. Your school is going to miss you when you retire, Phyl! Really wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBellissimo blog! Tante cose nuove per me.
ReplyDelete