Importance of Bees

SC Kindergarten students observed an educational video about the importance of bees. They learned how bees help to spread pollen which enables fruits, vegetables and flowers to grow. Duly inspired and with the assistance of their paraprofessionals, they created collages of bees spreading pollen as they fly from flower to flower. 

Salmon Stamping 

Second graders watched a video of salmon leaping out of down-streaming rivers and against currents to reach the places of their births. 

Our students then studied complementary colors (those that appear opposite on the color wheel such as orange and blue). Inspired, students composed salmon drawings on orange papers that were pasted on blue backgrounds to indicate water. The latter were repeatedly stamped with painted cardboard paper rolls that made wiggly lines to suggest movement and oxygen in the water. The fish were also enhanced with marks using paint pens, stick paints, and silver markers to create realistic texture. 

Students reflected on how making art about nature connects them to the environment and world.  

Soft Scupture

Fifth graders concentrated on a unit of sculpture. Most classes created soft sculptures inspired by Pop Artist Claes Oldenburg, who had sewn large soft sculptures of food using painted canvases. The Pop Art style, in which he was known became famous during the 1960s. It elevated everyday items as subjects for fine art.

Our students used recycled brown paper bags which they drew everyday images on and painted them with paint sticks. Students then cut and pasted their designs together with glue and reinforced them with staples. Lastly, students stuffed their designs with recycled shredded paper to create soft sculptures. Above are student examples - a heart, slice of pizza and a popsicle. 

Students pondered how knowing the contexts, histories, and traditions of art helps them to create works of art.