Tar Beach Story Quilts

In celebration of Black History Month (February) and Women's History Month (March), we read Tar Beach  by Faith Ringold.  In this story, the main character says that she can "own" any building or place just by flying over it.  

What special place would you make your own if you could fly over it?

Japanese Dojo

Great Wall of China

The Savannah

Grandma's House

Yankee Stadium

Pizza Putt Mini Golf

The Humane Society

Empire State Building

Candy Land

Story Portraits on VoiceThread

Pot o' Gold

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Pre-K artists made pictures of the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  I try to not get too wrapped up in holiday oriented art projects, but rainbows and glitter are two things that always get preschoolers excited!

The Dot by Peter Reynolds

Kindergarten artists read The Dot by Peter Reynolds.  

This is the story of a young artist who is convinced that she can't draw until her teacher has her begin by simply making a mark.  The girl explores making dots in all sizes and colors until she is proud of her artwork and looked up to by other students.  

In our classroom, we have a class expectation that we will never say "I can't."  Sometimes, though, we need a little extra encouragement just to get beyond the "polar bear in a a snowstorm" blank paper stage. The Dot gives young artist the inspiration to get started without fear or scrutiny.  

Kindergarten artists used watercolors on fine watercolor paper to create their original Dot paintings.  I used masking tape to create tape borders on each student's paper, which helped keep the paper need and create a finished-looking composition.  These are absolutely beautiful!  

Click HERE to read an interview with Peter Reynolds about The Dot.  

Isabella and Grady make Dot paintings.

Sarah dressed very appropriately for "Dot Day!"

Our dot paintings

Do your best!

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." ~ Steve Prefontaine

My Artful Vacation

Since I am reluctantly taking this season off from skiing, my husband and I were looking for a winter get-away during my February vacation.  We decided to take a quick trip to New York City.  As an art teacher, this visit turned out to be incredibly inspirational.   It was a thrill to see so many works of art that I teach about up close and personal!

We visited the Metrolopolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art,  and The Scandinavia House 

Visit my Google Art Project collection from the Met and the MoMA - click here

If you can't make it to a museum, www.googleartproject.com is a really neat way to explore the collections from your computer at home.

Ish

Third and fourth grade artists read the book Ish by Peter Reynolds.  This books talks about how artwork does not have to be perfect, it can just be "ish."  Students worked with open minds and loose paintbrushes to create "Ish" paintings.

Blind Artist featured on CBS Evening News.... Amazing!