Sneak Preview: Self Portraits (4th/5th)

A sneak preview of my 4th and 5th grader's self portraits. I'm so proud of them.

Critiquing in the Elementary School Art Classroom

Too often students are not taught how to look at art, know its purpose, see the elements and principles, and how to talk about art.  Getting the students especially in the elementary school classroom to do this is like pulling teeth. But why not make it fun? My students are learning how to do these things through an art critique.  Yes, I know they are only in elementary school, but it is never too early to understand why something looks nice.

Each student is given 3 critique cards. These are used like casting votes for pieces.
       - Frame: The piece they would put in a museum.
       - House: The piece they would put in their house.
       - Money:  The piece they would sell.

To see slideshow and full details go to : Critique slideshow.

Once votes have been cast, a class discussion is started.  The kids have so much fun with this.  It is different from the normal art class they are used to.  Check out my lesson (**link to come) and slideshow for full details.  I modified this idea from something a professor in college taught me.  Honestly, at the time I thought it was a dumb idea, but after talking with the kids and spending more time with them, I am realizing how genius it really is.

Tell me what you think!  Would you change anything?

Roll A Face Game

Sometimes in the art classroom certain classes get ahead, while others seem to always be behind.  I came up with this filler to help even out the classes. The kids had a blast!  They roll dice to create a face. Children take turns rolling the dice, first one to a complete face wins!  I gave examples at the front of the room of different kinds of noses, mouths, eyes, and hair.  This encouraged them to do something other than an "L" nose.  Trying it with K/1 was a bit difficult, but it would work wonderfully with the older kids!

Materials needed:
2 dice per team
head template

You can download the directions and template: HERE