Art

Hello, P.S. 274 parents and caregivers.

As we put the finishing touches on our beautiful fall masterpieces, December in the art room will be a hive of activity as we prepare for our Holidays Around the World show. Each grade will create a unique masterpiece to be showcased on stage or at the entrance of our show. Please see below for a sneak peek at what each grade level will be making.

Rigorous Instruction 

Instruction is customized, inclusive, motivating, and aligned to the Next Generation Standards. High standards are set in every classroom. Students are actively engaged in ambitious intellectual activity and developing critical thinking skills. 

Units of Study

Kindergarten-2nd Grade  

Kindergarten

In preparation for the show, our Kindergarten artists will make snowflakes for their holiday performance! To kick off the lesson, students will examine various snowflakes for inspiration as they create their own. They will start by gluing pieces of blue tissue paper to a platform,forming the base of their snowflakes. Next, we will practice our gluing skills by adding blue and purple paper strips to our paper plates, becoming our beautiful snowflakes. Since all snowflakes are unique, students will be encouraged to use their imaginative ideas to finish off their snowflakes!

First Grade

Students will create winter trees, wreaths, and holiday lights in our first-grade art class. They will explore color theory by learning about different shades and how to use them effectively. To make our winter trees and wreaths realistic, we will focus on shades of green and blue. Additionally, students will learn to use tints to give the appearance of shining light on their holiday lights. This hands-on approach will help them understand and appreciate the beauty of colors in their artwork!

Second Grade

Our second-grade artists will be learning about the Holiday Kwanza. To begin our Masterpiece, students will watch and listen to a read-aloud of Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford. Then, we will start constructing our kinaras by reviewing symmetry and texture. Students will make brown-painted paper to imitate the wood texture of the Kinara base. We will review symmetry to cut out the base. Lastly, we will add our candles and use chalk to create a glowing candle effect. 

Third Grade - Fifth Grade  

Third Grade

Third graders will create Nutcrackers. They will begin their artistic journey by viewing various Nutcracker styles and analyzing their different styles and details. They will then start making a small sketch of their Nutcracker and create a large 18" Nutcracker.

Fourth Grade

Grade artists will focus on the holiday Eid Al-Fitr. They will study Tiles in Islamic temples, analyzing them by sharing their observations and questions. Using radial symmetry and printmaking, students will create their own vibrant and colorful tiles. 

Fifth Grade

Fifth graders will be making lamps to celebrate Diwali, immersing themselves in the cultural significance of this festival. As part of the project, students will learn about Rangoli, the traditional designs used during Diwali. They will explore the concept of radial symmetry to create intricate and beautiful Rangoli patterns for their lamps.

I am excited about the beautiful masterpieces our young artists will create for our Holidays Around the World performance. I will also be sharing our process via class dojo!

 Strong Family-Community Ties & Collaborative Teachers 

School leadership brings resources from the community into the school building by welcoming, encouraging, and developing partnerships with families, businesses, and community-based organizations. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via email or direct message on Class Dojo.

Teachers Contact Information

Teacher: Ms. Smith, Visual Arts Teacher

Email address: MSmith143@schools.nyc.gov

“It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” – Pablo Picasso