Mask-making.

Using recycled newspaper scraps, paste, and other recycled & donated materials, the 4th and 5th graders made their own masks.  This project was inspired by a Nigerian mask that is displayed as an artifact in our classroom!

Pyramid Architecture.

Chameleon Figures.

Recently in art the students learned the difference between a figure in a portrait, and applied that knowledge to an animal by creating chameleon figures!  First, we read "A Color of His Own" by Leo Lionni.  After drawing and painting their chameleon, students were able to add detail with marker and create a habitat in the background.

Elephant Pop Art.

After looking at a famous pop art picture of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol, third grade created their own pop art using African elephants.  During this project, third graders also learned how to use a color wheel to find complimentary colors to design a background.

Value Cones.

In kindergarten, we learned about value and how adding black or white to a color creates shades and tints.  Kindergarteners then created ice cream cones, and had to arrange their "scoops" in order from light to dark, or dark to light.

 

Proud Moment!

This past Thursday, our 4th graders visited the Sheldon Museum of Art on UNL's main campus.  Each 10-12 students was paired up with a docent (like a tour guide) and got to walk around the Sheldon and talk about the art.  Students learned how to read the tags next to the art work (where the artist and title of the piece are listed) and also got to analyze the artwork with the help of the docents.

While I was making my rounds trying to touch base with every group, I joined a group looking at a sculpture.  The sculpture was an interesting form, maybe something you might see growing at the bottom of the ocean, or a shape you might see in a lava lamp.
"What do you think about this piece?" the docent asked.
One of the 4th graders answered, "I think it's conceptual."
"Why do you think that?"
"Well, because the meaning is up to the viewer.  A bunch of people might be looking at it, and it means something different to each of them."

I'll be honest, I had a little celebratory dance party in my head at that point.  They ARE listening and learning!  I was so proud!

Then as we were walking down the stairs of the Sheldon, preparing to go home, I overheard one of the docents say, "I was very impressed with this group!  They knew a lot, and were so well-behaved."

4th grade, you rock.  I am so proud of you all, and can't wait to tour the Sheldon with you again next year!  Until then, take your parents back there sometime soon -- you can be their docent!