Collaborative MLK Grid Drawing- Fifth Grade

Fifth Graders at the J. W. Killam School learned about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King and then worked together to create this stunning portrait.

 

Each student drew their own grid piece using a small version of their assigned grid cell as a reference.  Students needed to use a coordinate map and teamwork to make sure their drawings lined up with neighboring cells.  Once the pieces were drawn and cut out, students outlined their drawings with Sharpie and selected a color they felt represented themselves.

 

It was beautiful to watch the cooperation, encouragement, and excitement as students saw this collaborative work honoring Dr. King come to life. 

Killam Family Tree

J.W. Killam Family Tree

This is our Killam School Family Tree inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt.  Each student and staff member made a self-portrait to create the “leaves”  for the tree.  Students learned about facial proportions and were introduced to the Art Nuevo style and the work of Gustav Klimt.

My original plan was to have students create a new portrait each year and to save them so children would leave elementary school with a series of self-portraits from Kindergarten through fifth grade.  However, my bubble was burst when I heard numerous groans while introducing the assignment in September.  I am not one who believes every lesson needs be shiny, new and exciting at all times, but I really do want students to be enthusiastic about the brief time they have in the studio each week- and so, I am rethinking this plan.  But for now, our tree shows how we are each part of a bigger picture and together, we create a masterpiece!

The inspiration for this collaborative art came from a photo posted on The LearningExperience.  Thank you for sharing your beautiful mural and inspiring ours!

All School- Creation Station Option

I am trying to have some on-going community art projects for students to work on as time allows.  This ART collage is nearly finished.  We just need a few more ARTs to fill in the blanks and a clear coat.  Look for it soon outside room 1!

 

 

 

Community Looms- Weaving

 

My students LOVE weaving!  I picked up the smaller loom at a garage sale and keep it available for students who have a little extra time.   The larger loom was crafted from a flea market frame.  I did need to attach some corner brackets to the back to make it a bit sturdier, but it seems to be holding up just fine.  I added the warp to little eye screws.  The weft students are currently working with is actually old paint smocks cut into strips.  I am excited to see how our first big weaving comes out!

 

 

Tints, Shades, and Tones- Oh My!

Mayan Name Printing

 

 

Native American Inspired Necklaces