Spring Break…Much Deserved…

Let’s get right into it, and then enjoy the break…

The 3rd graders finished up creating their biomorphic sculptures. The students really amazed me with their results. Just by looking at them, I think it looks like much older students created these sculptures. Thanks Mr. Brown for suggesting this project!

Download Anthony, Devonte, Michael H, and Stokely

Thanks to everyone who attended the screening of the global warming public service announcements last night at the Hyde Park Art Center. Our 4th graders were very excited about this showing and I think there creativity and hard work showed. This was certainly a long journey for them. We started this project way back in January by looking at how global warming happens and how it impacts the Earth. Then, the students worked in groups to come up with an idea, script, and storyboard for their global warming public service announcement. Then, they needed to plan, make props, and practice their commercial. Finally, they needed to record and edit the finished videos. They had to use multiple skills and work together as a group. The thing that impressed me the most were the discussions the students had with each other when they were deciding what to do and how to do it. They really had to develop a way to solve their problems and come up with a decision that everyone agreed on. Ms. Walsh and I made a big deal about the brainstorming portion of this project and I was glad that so many students took it seriously. To see ALL of the videos, check them out here.

The 5th graders finished up a short activity based on the artwork of Andy Warhol. The students were photographed in goofy poses and then they colored them in the same way Warhol colored in his famous portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Mao Zedong.  When we return from the break, we will begin Smart Explorers which has been part of the fine arts curriculum for many year. It includes writing, fine arts, and multiple visits to the Smart Museum. Please sign and return the field trip form for this project.

The 6th graders began working on their monochromatic portraits this week.I will talk about this after the break. Also, the students will begin putting together the mosaic with Mirtes. This project will require the students to be taken out of their other classes during the school day, so I urge you to read the following letter that should be finding its way home after the break.

Finally, I just wanted to mention the programs I have linked to this blog. If you go here, I have listed a bunch of free (mostly) art programs that your child can use at home. I’ve worked with all of these, so I’m not listing them just to list them.

Enjoy the break!