Getting to know you...

A new semester means a new group of students. I always try to have the students create a project that helps me get to know them.

 

My 7th grade is working on a project I call "collage me". I found the inspiration on this blog through Pinterest. We used the overhead projector light to create a shadow that we traced on craft paper. The students then searched through magazines to find images of things they like and that inspire them. They must also include their name somewhere in the collage. We discussed composition and craftsmanship. When the project is complete, the students will be asked to complete a written reflection that ties into Indiana visual arts standard 7.6.2.

 

 

 

 

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New semester resolutions and such...

I feel like I have to make the same resolution year after year. I WILL update my classroom blog... Maybe if I make myself write it in the chalkboard one hundred times I will remember. So here goes attempt number three!

Today I began a new semester with a new group of students. Some students have had my class before but a fresh start and a different group of students always brings new challenges and excitement. Each semester I make a goal. 

This time around (aside from keeping up with blogging), I am attempting electronic hall passes. The students use a Google form I created to enter their name, where they are going, and the time. When the students return, they submit the form so it time stamps when they return. Hooray for the digital age! 

Continuous line drawing

7th graders learned about the various line qualities. Using this information, students created a drawing that incorporated the use of a continuous line and shape. Students reviewed shape (organic and geometric) and created 8 different shapes. We discussed what makes a composition interesting and they placed their shapes on the page using these concepts. After I ok'd the student's layout, they traced them onto their line composition. Within that shape, students were asked to color in an alternating pattern. Students are typically very successful at this project and enjoy the process and finished product.

Can I go...

I hear "can I go..." all day long! My 8th graders only have a 2 minute passing period so they are always asking for passes to the bathroom and to get a drink of water. I am very close to the restrooms and don't mind allowing the students to go (only one out of the room at a time) within reason. I track how often they go and stop the frequent fliers.

The killer is getting a drink. Students sometimes come directly from PE and it's hard to deny a beet red face a quenching drink of water. As an art teacher, I have a bank of sinks in my classroom. I would tell the students to turn on the water and stick their face underneath. The girls would give me a funny look and so would some of the boys. Eventually thirst won out and they would sip from the faucet. I knew there had to be a better way so I asked Google and ordered this cool contraption from Amazon. It's amazing!

Dreamfarm Tapi Fountain Rubber Tap (Colors may vary)
by Dreamfarm
Link: http://amzn.com/B004I8V8DI

 

 

Their own mark...

Students at FMS look forward to 8th grade art.  The first project we begin with is always a hit...Graffiti Art!  Whenever our display goes up, all students exclaim, "I want to do that!".  It is a great project because students love it, the majority are successful, and I am able to learn names a little easier.

We begin by discussing the difference between art and vandalism.  We then discuss how graffiti is becoming very mainstream and graffiti artists are now being commissioned by various business, advertising companies, and property owners.

The students then look at many examples.  We go over how to draw lettering and make it varied. Students most often select a brick background for their graffiti.

Before students begin coloring, we discuss proper coloring methods and the importance of contrast.

The "I" phone

Did you ever think about how much your digital device reveals about you? From the pictures you have, the background you set, and the apps you have downloaded, you reveal a lot about yourself. With this in mind, I had the students in all grades fill in a template of a phone with apps. They could use the images of apps they already had or create their own to show a bit of their interests. They were then asked to design their ideal phone case. The students really enjoyed this activity and will be finishing it today in class using colored pencils.

 

You can get a blank copy of this document here: "i"pad document 

Back to school!

Today was the first day of the 2015-2016 school year. The first day is always my least favorite. I have to stand in front of students and go over rules and procedures. BORING! I did try to break it up with a creative drawing activity at the end.  6th grade was asked to create the ultimate robot maid.




7th grade imagined a universe they could enter through their locker.

8th grade created the ultimate vacation location.  We really had fun with that one!

This short exercise helped me discover students who had a hard time coming up with ideas, their drawing ability/confidence, and a little glimpse into their personality.