biltmore...

I am so very lucky that my school believes in getting students out into the community for real hands on in your face learning! Since the 4th grade studies North Carolina history, and we are only 2 and a half hours from the Biltmore... we get to go! How amazingly awesome and fun.

For those of you who do now know anything about NC or the Biltmore here you go:

• Largest privately owned home in the country
• Took 7 years to build from 1888-1895
• Built by George Vanderbilt
• State of the art house (especially for that time) has electricity, heated swimming pool, bowling alley, and 250 rooms! 

I have gone to the Biltmore 6 times and it never gets old! The last time I went, was with 2 co-workers and when the Christmas decorations were up! How fun! Here are a few photos from my past visits. I think everyone should go for a visit if you can!

 Here is the lovely and wonderful 2nd grade teacher (Dawn) and the 3rd grade teacher (Jamie)...I am in the back super excited to be at the Biltmore!

Mythology....

Who doesn't love Mythology? You have drama, love, hate, and everything else The Real Housewives of whatever city is most popular these days. Our 6th graders do a big unit on Greek Mythology in Language Arts (well, they learn about Greece in Social Studies too). The students this year took a huge interest in the myths! So, I had a chance to do a mythology project for the first time!

My art class background: I try to teach the students "journaling" techniques throughout the year... and this was perfect opportunity...

First, I showed them 4 different acrylic painting method:

• Splatter paint with tooth brush
• Layering 2 colors of paint and spreading it with a credit card
• Drips by watering down the acrylic paint
• Texture Tools!

They create a technique page where they played and experimented with these different methods. I love to give the students the chance to mess around and see what happens with a little bit of freedom!

Here were the guidelines for the Mythology Journal Page:

• Be inspired by one god/goddess 
• 2 page spread
• Must use colors that "make sense" with the god/goddess. Example: Poseidon - Blues and Greens
• Must have a silhouette that would "make sense" with the god/goddess. Example: Athena - Owl
• Must use the 4 techniques I taught them... I did not make them include all 4, they chose which would work with their page
•  Must have a quote relating to the god/goddess - use interesting font!

They use a mythology book to find their quote. We discussed what makes for a stand out quote and a lame quote. I really like the way these journal pages turned out!

clean up clean up everybody clean up..

O-M-G... if I had to hear THAT song everyday during every cleanup I might freak out... so I decided I would choose a song I could stand listening to everyday with every class for every cleanup for the entire school year...

Here is the song I chose for 2013/2014.  This is a live version but, I use the album for my clean up song. The kids did not like the song at first (sorry little ones). After a month of school the kids have come around and they groove when the song plays (score one for helping the youth like some decent music).




Artist: Dr. Dog
Song: The Rabbit, the Bat, the Reindeer
Album: Fate

Colorado on my mind....

This summer, I had the opportunity to go to Estes Park, CO for a lovely wedding. What an amazing place. I have been day dreaming of going back for a visit! I hope for a speedy recovery from the floods that has devastated the area. 

Beyond
Twin Sister Trail, CO

On top of the World
Twin Sisters Summit, Co

Blown
Twin Sisters Trail, CO

Open
Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

3-D Family/Season Trees

Are you ready for total and utter cuteness? I hope so! This project turned out way better then expected! I seriously love when you try a project for the first time and it actually works out awesome!

In second grade, students learn all about different life cycles (seasons, plants, animals, etc.) They also do a family study and read Tomie dePaola stories. In art, we create a family tree with images the children bring in from home. The past few years we have learned how to draw a non-broccoli tree and added a season to one side and the photos to the other. It was not the most creative, but it was a valuable lesson and the kids enjoyed it!

I found this website on good ol' pinterest. Thank you for showing this project in photo form:)

In progress trees

Students created their trees using a RECYCLED paper bag, added a season with tissue paper, and then their family photos! It was hard for the kids to twist the paper bag, but it was great for hand strength! I helped them when they got tired, but the kids were able to do most of it by themselves.

I love the end result!

What a sweet family keepsake!

Together We Can Make a World of Difference

Here is how we kicked off the school year... I am so thrilled to have FINALLY created a collaborative project that also reflects my philosophy as an art teacher. I have been wanting to create something, anything with whole school. Since this was the first year attempting, we keep it to K-8. Next year, perhaps we will go for K-12!

Kim, the 7th and 8th grade art teacher did a beautiful job explaining the project...

The students in kindergarten through 8^th grade created artworks of their hands from recycled materials, and combined them all together to make an artwork of the world.  Each hand artwork is unique and created with thought and care, just as each of our students are unique individuals.  All of the hands were combined into an artwork of the world, visually conveying how we all can join together and contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

Through this creative process the students were able to explore the many repurposed journaling materials and treasures that can be found in the art rooms, which are perfect materials for creating unique and sustainable art pieces. The art program at Woodlawn provides students with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to incorporate sustainable practices and materials into their own art.

Below are pictures of the “Together We Can Make a World of Difference” collaborative art piece.

The final product...

Yay for recycled art!

Here we go again...

Hey cyber world!

I have been gone for oh so long... My last attempt at returning did not play out as I had planned. I am making every effort to get back into this blog with music, photography, and my K-6 (and high school) art projects! Here is a sweet little taste of what's been playing as we are going into the 3rd week of school! All my best to you teachers out there!!




Artist: Dr. Dog
Song: The Breeze
Album: Fate