Snowy Owl

SC Kindergarten students learned about snowy owls. These birds have white feathers and hunt day and night close to the snow covered ground to snatch up their favorite meals – lemmings! They also have yellow eyes.

Students experimented with a variety of painting tools and techniques to create a snowy owl collage. They stamped large oval shapes with white tempera paint-soaked cotton balls. They cut two yellow circles and attached googly eyes to create the realistic-colored eyes of the creature. They cut and pasted a black triangle-shaped beak to complete the face. 

Lastly, students painted papers brown and dragged a variety of paint scrappers through the paint to create a variety of textures that could mimmick bark. After drying, the papers were torn to suggest fallen branches the owls might perch on, in search of a tasty meal. 

Hot Chocolate

Students also continued to learn how to mix the basic shapes they are beginning to master into a design that represents images in real life. For a "Hot Chocolate" lesson, students practiced drawing shapes onto colored papers, cutting them out with scissors, and pasting them together to look like a cup of hot chocolate. The papers could be decorated with crayons and the drinks topped with white fluffy pom poms to suggest delicious marshmallows. (See below.)  

Snow Angels

The second grade was inspired by author Carin Berger who wrote “A Perfect Day,” about a group of children who experience the joys of fresh snow and the promise of fun on a snow day. Through this story, PS 008 students learned how to make an impression of an angel after a snowstorm with their bodies, and many are looking forward to trying this activity outdoors. 

Students also learned how to visually create a snow angel mixed media collage considering the value scale (lightness to darkness of color), and symmetry in their figures' clothing. Texture was added with a variety of embellishments e.g., yarn, buttons, jewels, cotton balls, and more. Students found inspiration for their decorations by observing their own clothing and that of classmates.

Winter Fox

Our SC second graders learned many foxes have adapted to cold weather and can easily hunt their favorite rodents buried deeply under a blanket of snow. In a lesson about warm and cool colors, these students also learned foxes can have thick fur coats to keep them warm and the fur can have a red, orange or yellow tint. They drew foxes then experimented painting them in warm colors with paint sticks and brushes dipped in water. The foxes were contrasted with cool colored backgrounds. A layer of snow with shredded recycled paper complements the composition. (See below.) 

Snowplow Trucks

Fifth graders completed their symmetry trucks began last month. Above is an example of a Snowplow Truck. These drawings were created with black oil pastels placed on one side of a folded vertical paper and rubbed onto the opposite side to match. 

Many students included a wax resistance element by including circles or designs of imagined snow flakes in their skies. These designs were produced with white waxy crayons that were painted over with a liquid watercolor wash to reveal the snow.

At the end of the lessons, the students discussed the importance of including seasonal themes in their Art Education. We noted that seasonal themes are relatable and bring people together. They add to the excitement for a season, and inform us of cultural traditions celebrated. Winter themed lessons in particular, help connect us to the environment and the planet. Hope you have enjoyed all of these!

Hybrids

While our "Hybrids" lesson was not winter-themed, it gave students the opportunity to collaborate, use their imaginations, and learn about artists throughout time and in various cultures, who created figures that are part human, and part animal. Students were challenged to work together in small groups and produce a single creature with a different head, body and bottom (feet, fins, tentacles, etc), working blindly until all components were done. They were surprised with their results, and understood how collaboration can lead to innovation.