Van Gogh and the Elements of Art

The second graders ended the school year studying the elements of art in Van Gogh's painting The Starry Night.  Students then created their own night scene using oil pastels. The project rubric required students to demonstrate the use of each element of art. Some students accomplished this by creating a replica of The Starry Night, while others came up with their own unique scenes. I love how their individuality was expressed in this project. The results were amazing!

Integrating Science and Art

I was about to begin an artist study of Georgia O'Keeffe with my 2nd graders when I heard that they would soon be taking a field trip to a local botanical garden.  I met with the classroom teachers who explained to me that the field trip was targeted to enhance the 2nd grade science study of plants and animals.  One key idea of the science unit was symbiotic relationships.  As explained in this lesson, a study of Georgia O'Keeffe is a great way to teach the artistic skills of drawing large & filling the space of the paper.  In addition to teaching art skills, I knew that I could also reinforce science concepts with this project.  

The symbiotic relationship between a hummingbird and flower

SmockTip #6- How to Get Students Out the Door On Time!

When the bell rings, is your art room spotless with students standing in a perfect & orderly line?  If your answer is no or not always, continue reading for another helpful SmockTip.

Edible Art

Since becoming a mom, I have not had as much time to focus on creating art as I would like to.  One thing I have figured out is how to blend being artistic with my responsibilities as a parent.

Giving birth to my first child also resulted in giving birth to a new form of art: cake decorating.  I get pretty involved with the design of each cake, each one even has a matching hand-drawn invitation.  They look good, and taste yummy too! Expand this post to see more cake art!

Dr. Seuss

When I stumbled upon this Dr. Seuss project idea, I knew it would be a fun way to reinforce primary colors and introduce perspective to my Kindergarteners. It was also a great way to help prepare them for the upcoming Dr. Suess Day celebration organized by the librarian every March 2nd. 

SmockTip #5- Use Your Head

Let me introduce you to the SmockDo.  This is a unique and handy suggestion for storing art supplies AND looking stylish.  This practical updo can be done with a paint brush, pencil, pen, marker...many tools found in the art room.  It can be used to store one or multiple brushes at a time.  The SmockDo craze is sure to hit the runways before long!

Hair storage + wearing a smock = ultra prepared teacher!

An Art Teacher's Revelation

Today I made a decision that will change the way I teach indefinitely.

I am never not wearing a smock again!

While wearing a smock I am transformed into a teacher with kangaroo-like practicality. The handy pouches have revolutionized my productivity with easy access to the things that I need for lessons.  My smock reduces scatterbrained moments by keeping everything at my fingertips. I love my smock so much that my only wish is that it had dozens of pockets and a tool loop to hold my stapler.

In my pouch today I had a spare pencil, a Sharpie, a paperclip to unclog pesky glue bottles, various paint brushes, a roll of tape, some blue tack, a thumb drive, a hair band, a band-aid, a breath mint, AND a recess whistle. What wasn't I prepared for?

If I ever return to being a classroom teacher, the smock is going with me.  It's usefulness is invaluable to any teacher!!!