Keith Haring Lesson : Day 2

Keith Haring is such a kid friendly artist.  His work appeals to all ages.  I recently focused on Keith Haring's work for my Kindergarten and first graders.  Here are the lessons!  I think next time, if materials allow I would have them cut each shape and glue it on the background.

"Art is for everybody." - Keith Haring

Part 1: Keith Haring Street Art (Chalk) (outdoors)

Part 2:
     The Kindergarten and 1st grade students loved learning about Keith Haring.  His art is so kid friendly.  This lesson the kids already had an understand of who Keith Haring was, his subjects, and where he worked.

    Lesson can be found: HERE

One clever boy turned his into Superman Keith Haring style!

Baloney Rap

The other day I had a kindergarten class near the end of my very long day.  They had been fairly well behaved.  One little boy came up to me and said "Ms. Sudkamp, can I show you something?" Seeing how wonderful all these students were acting I said yes, and boy was I glad I did.  This kindergartener proceeds to walk to the front of the classroom and rap.

"What! What! What! What" (Class starts to clap with him)

"Hey my name is Tony,
they call me macaroni.
I slapped my girl with a piece of baloney!
Lets dance!"

The Dangers of Cooked Music

In preparation of an after school activity our music teacher was practicing the piano piece while the van riders were waiting.  One boy came up to me and said "His music reminds me of when my mom cooks." Thinking he meant she played music while cooking.  "Oh, really?" I said.  "Yes. But when you cook music it is poisonous, you could die. You can't eat cooked music."  With his logic I assume you can only eat raw music.

Keith Haring Lesson: Street Art (Chalk - 1st grade)

It is finally spring!  To celebrate this glorious event I came up with a fun Keith Haring inspired lesson.  I first showed them a powerpoint altered from the internet (all iffy material deleted). Each child was asked to come up with their most awesome dance move in which later I would trace around.  The student then took inspiration from Keith Hering's work and colored their shapes.  They learned to blend and mix the colors.  The kids and I had a blast!  Not only were they understanding street art, but also understanding the work of Keith Hering.  Disadvantage: It was incredibly hard to keep the kids clean.

Overall one of the best lessons I have taught for the young ones!  Must try! (All you need is street chalk)

Great online resource for kids:  http://www.haringkids.com/  It has digital interactive coloring pages.  (even includes over 180 free lesson plans!)

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?

Will The Real Picasso Please Stand Up!

     I started "Picasso Portraits" with my Kindergarten and 1st grade classes this week!  I had a blast.  To create the profile part we traced their faces against the table attempting not to giggle, with little success in that department.  The children really enjoyed not worrying about things being "perfect," and letting their imaginations run free.  But I have to say, my favorite part was playing the game "Will The Real Picasso Please Stand Up!"  Each child claimed they were the real Picasso.   

Lesson: HERE

Slideshow I used with this lesson: HERE

Video for the lesson (I altered the lesson) : HERE