Surf and Turf

Fish Hawk or Osprey, Birds of America, John James Audubon

First grade started out their unit on clay by exploring how many ways they can change clay with their body as well as with a variety of tools.   We examined artist and ornithologist John James Audubon and his fascination with birds. Next, I was inspired by Cassie Stephen's clay birds and I loosely based this lesson of of hers that you can find HERE. Students learned how to create score and slip to attach two pieces of clay and make an impression by pressing down different textured tools into the clay.  Each student had the option to make a bird or fish and after their clay was bisque fired they used construction paper crayons to color and added india ink on top as a resist batik look.  

Fourth Grade Masks

                                         

 

For the last four years that I have been teaching, masks have become a rite of passage for the fourth graders.  We start out by examining the history of masks and the different functions they have served throughout time such as theatrical performances, death/burial traditions, rituals, and festivals.  Students thought about what type of mask they wanted to make (animal, mythical creature, cartoon character, sports legend etc.).

Then we covered plastic roylco masks with paper mache to build up a quick armature.  Next, we added parts to make our masks more unique and specific with newspaper and tape as well as plaster kraft to solidify the masks.  The last step was deciding if we wanted to paint our masks realistically or stylistically and what embellishments we would add if any.  Everything we have learned the last several years in art class came into play from creating a three dimensional form to color theory.  Click here to see masks from past years.

In Progress

Student Artwork