posted Mar 8, 2010 7:43 AM by Theresa McTier
Teacher took personal leave of absence. |
posted Mar 8, 2010 7:43 AM by Theresa McTier
Teacher took personal leave of absence. |
posted Mar 8, 2010 7:42 AM by Theresa McTier
posted Feb 5, 2010 6:31 PM by Theresa McTier
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updated Feb 16, 2010 5:34 PM
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Today I introduced a new unit, Unit 2: Invented Worlds: Imagination and Wonder. There are three strands taught in this unit: Thinking and working as artists, students will 1) create imaginary creatures, 2) imagine places for creatures, and 3) dream of imaginary lands.
I introduced this unit by stating the four unit objectives, which are that students will 1) learn that art offers a way for people to see and show things in new and different ways, 2) understand that artists use imagination and creativity in their explorations and development of ideas and images, 3) experience the theme as artists through imagination and exploration of different ideas and ways of working, and 4) experience the theme as viewers of art (become art critics).
This unit opens with two artworks by Ellen Lanyon and introduces the artist herself with a short biography.
Next week: We will begin Lesson 7: Imagine That - Line Types (Strand 1: Thinking and working as artists, we can create imaginary creatures). |
posted Feb 1, 2010 6:35 PM by Theresa McTier
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updated Feb 5, 2010 7:03 PM
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Today we continued Studio Exploration for Lessons 3 & 4. I found a very satisfactory salt dough recipe which I believe will be very enjoyable for the students to use. As you can see below, the dough is safe and, if accidentally ingested, is nontoxic.
Artwork: The clay I brought in was so enjoyable that most of the students had a hard time doing the lesson planned. Most of the students did not complete the lesson.
I believe that there is more going on than just the clay being so enjoyable. I believe the students are tired of drawing, painting, and sculpting people. I myself am tired of people being the focus of our art.
Next week: I will introduce a new unit: Unit 2: Invented Worlds: Imagination and Wonder.
Note to Parents: I experimented with several different recipes for salt dough before deciding on this particular one. This salt dough does not stick to hands and has a tiny amount of oil that keeps the hands moisturized. It lasts a long time covered in an airtight container. For parents who would like to try this at home, here is the recipe:
1 cup warm water
1 cup flour
1/4 cup salt
1 tsp cooking oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
food coloring (optional)
Combine all ingredients (adding food coloring last so you can make the dough the tint you desire) in a boiler on the stove and stir over medium heat until the dough thickens to a smooth texture. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. (Be careful as the dough may be hot! I used a mixer with a dough hook because I made such large quantities.) Place in a plastic bag or other airtight container when cooled. This dough will last for a long time.
P.S. I found myself playing with this dough while it was still warm. It really felt good to my stiff hands. |
posted Jan 25, 2010 2:08 PM by Theresa McTier
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updated Feb 1, 2010 6:40 PM
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Today we continued Studio Exploration for Lessons 3 & 4. I used a salt dough recipe I found on the Internet which turned out to be extremely unsatisfactory. We used the entire class period and a lot of flour trying to get the dough to roll out satisfactorily. During the coming week, I will experiment with several different salt dought recipes before I bring it to school and we will begin this lesson anew next Tuesday. |
posted Jan 16, 2010 9:17 PM by Theresa McTier
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updated Jan 25, 2010 2:12 PM
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Today we continued Studio Exploration for Lessons 3 & 4.
Artwork: The students took out their clay and continued working on them. As they worked on them, I walked around the class, observing their sculptures and making constructive comments as needed. Some students were still having trouble using the appropriate amount of water to keep their clay malleable without being overly sticky, so I continued to work with these students individually and as a group to help them resolve their problems. I made it clear that I did not expect perfection.
Based on the difficulties many of these students are having handling this type of clay and the messy clean-up process, I plan to reteach this lesson using another clay medium: salt dough, which is made with salt and flour and baked at a very low temperature to set.
Some students completed their clay figurines last week and wanted to add tables, chairs and other items. I allowed them to do so. Unfortunately, some of the figurines broke while they were handling them and those students had to start over.
I will be making salt dough for them to work with. I hope this medium will prove to be more successful for our budding artists.
See the November 10th post for the assessment rubric with which I will grade the students. |
posted Jan 11, 2010 5:34 PM by Theresa McTier
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updated Jan 16, 2010 9:18 PM
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Today we continued Studio Exploration for Lessons 3 & 4.
Artwork: The students took out their clay and continued working on them. As they worked on them, I drew examples of what their clay should look like before they attached them. I walked around the class, observing their constructions and making constructive comments as needed. Some students were still having trouble using the appropriate amount of water to keep their clay malleable without being overly sticky, so I continued to work with these students individually and as a group to help them resolve their problems.
Some students completed their clay figures. These students will paint them next week. The other students will continue to work on their clay. I believe some of the students are trying to be perfect and continually start over. I will address this problem next week.
See the November 10th post for the assessment rubric with which I will grade the students. |
posted Dec 14, 2009 7:31 PM by Theresa McTier
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updated Jan 11, 2010 2:36 PM
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Today we continued Studio Exploration for Lessons 3 & 4. Since it has been so long since we last had art class, I decided to restart this lesson; however, I did not spend as much time engaging the students in active discussion as I usually do when teaching the Studio Exploration Lessons.
We quickly reviewed the photos of people doing some kind of activity and one bronze sculpture of children sledding.
Artwork: The students took out their clay and continued working on them. As they worked on them, I put up the appropriate overhead transparency so that each student had a visual example to follow, in case someone missed part of my active demonstration. Each child removed his clay and began working on them. Some students were not using enough water to keep their clay malleable and others were using entirely too much, so I worked with these students individually and as a group to help them resolve their problems.
See the November 10th post for the assessment rubric with which I will grade the students. |
posted Dec 2, 2009 11:19 AM by Theresa McTier
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updated Jan 16, 2010 5:02 PM
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