For the months of April and May

FOURTH GRADE: Concepts discussed with fourth graders have included repetition and variety as they applied to printmaking. Students also discussed how to create texture when completing a realistic pastel lion project, and will conclude the year with mixing colors accurately, learning to create the illusion of space in a one point perspective drawing project, and a second clay project where glazes will be implemented instead of the metallic paints we used with their respective masks…

THIRD GRADE: The first weeks of April had third graders completing their mixed media seascapes involving permanent marker and watercolor washes. Terms such as cross-hatching, opaque washes, and horizon line were discussed and employed on the panoramic seascape painting. The third graders have also completed short projects involving symmetrical design, and self-portraits using an armature. As May begins students will work a couple of weeks on a clay wall vase project and will have an opportunity to glaze it at a later date.

SECOND GRADE: Second graders continued their look at picture book illustrators and the materials they employ as part of a year long focus in second grade. Picture books with the scratchboard work of Brian Pinkney were discussed, and the students participated in rendering their own picture on multi-color scratch art paper. Students were asked to focus on the contrast between the bright areas that were scratched, and the black India ink between the colorful shapes that served to make the color appear even brighter. Second graders did a very good job in creating textures that make scratchboard a unique and effective medium for illustrating. The month culminated with second graders beginning a project using felt, to create an animal of their choosing, and its environment. Based on the work of Clare Beaton and Leo Lionni, students are realizing that assembled simple shapes can result in a complicated shape such as an animal. Textures and details have been heavily stressed with this project exploring alternative materials that illustrators might employ in a picture book.

FIRST GRADE: The initial project for first graders involved testing their creative skills by starting with cursive letters and transforming them into mechanical insects. The students, in general, did a very nice job in creating a collection of insects featuring a variety of interesting characteristics. During the middle of April, first graders have begun work on a design that will allow them to complete color mixing in the upcoming weeks. At projects’ end, the students will have a stronger grasp on mixing secondary and tertiary colors on the color wheel. Students concluded April and the first week of May working on clay vases with low relief insect or animal stamps. Students had an opportunity to uses two colors of glaze as they further their knowledge base of the nuances of clay.

KINDERGARTEN: Kindergarten classes have been busy attempting to complete a variety of projects during the month of April. Students have been working on self-portraits using armatures, forms of transportation, and tape resist with oil crayons to further their knowledge of shape, line, and color. With the beginnings of May, Kindergarteners will begin work on a design that will culminate in them being introduced to the color wheel and their attempt to mix secondary and tertiary colors effectively. As Spring moves along, students will get involved with spring like themes such as flowers and insects to conclude May.