And the future architects are . . .

Kindergarteners this month have been learning about architects and how to put little pieces together to create something big! We started small and used grapes and toothpicks for our first project. They quickly learned that when small pieces create 3D shapes these can be combined to build strong structures. They also discovered that pieces with too many holes became weak and should be eaten immediately. An important truth they quickly resolved! LOL. We closed the hour by drawing our structures.

This past week we built with pieces of wood. Students focused on the element of balance. They created a main structures then added details from small pieces of wood a grandparent dropped off at school this fall (thank you!). We let our glue dry and read a wonderful story about Simon Rodia, an Italian-American, who in his spare time built the Watts Towers (also known as Nuestro Pueblos). His towers are a Los Angeles landmark built out of old pieces of glass, pottery, wire, and discarded items he found at the junkyard. Students were in awe of his creativity and determination and noticed how it brought beauty and joy to all who rode past it. I love how he created organized beauty out of discarded pieces of chaos. Very fitting for Easter don't you think?

After our story students painted their projects. They chose from a host of colors and went right to work. I love seeing their faces in these photos! It is full of pure joy and pride in their work! Do you see all their little grins? I love watching these kids create because just like Simon Rodia, the sky is the limit to their ingenuity!

 

This week we added beads (they call them gems),
 wires, and pipe cleaners. They were so fun to watch! 

Some put their beads on in a pattern. 

Others considered what to name their sculptures. 

Others created some interesting connections between their sculptures. 

We also added paper tiles for color. 

These two remarked "We are ready for our photo now Ms. Luce!"

They look very proud of their work!

For more information about the Watt's Towers you can find an inspiring video here http://www.wattstowers.us/history.htm or check out his children's book called Dream Something Big by Aston and Roth.

What Do I Do Now?

Have you ever heard that phrase? Not all students finish art projects at the same time. Some of us are quick with a brush and full of confidence. Others like to mull over the options, weighing each carefully. Sometimes we get stuck trying to think up an idea and may even want to sketch it out before working on our final project. We are all individuals and how we work in art is just as unique as our personalities. When students finish their art assignment they have several options. They may draw from our step by step drawing books, create a drawing of their own idea, read a story about an artist, work with tangram puzzles, look at objects of nature, finish a previous project, or practice their collage skills by cutting from our scrap box and creating crowns or little people. Perhaps you might want to ask your child what they enjoy doing when they finish their project.