Pinterest in the Classroom

I (Ms. Sudkamp) have had a Pinterest addiction for quite some time. It is a GREAT resource for inspiration, finding artist, and my favorite: tutorials.  This week the Sculpture/Ceramics class completed their own boards for their next project.  

 Each student had to complete a board on Pinterest based on relief work (their next project).   Each board included inspiration, reference photos, and tutorials. The kids had a blast. Want to see their upcoming project on relief work?  Check it out here! Ha ha, you'll even see my boards for the project.

I've Moved! High school here I come!

I've moved! Though I loved teaching elementary school I've on my way to the high school level.  Now instead of dealing with kids who might pee their pants I get to deal with angsty hormonal teens. I can't wait. Later this month I will start working at Apex High School with an amazing staff of 3 other art teachers. Apex High School's Art Department even has their own blog.  Check it out!

http://apexhsart.blogspot.com/

To all you elementary teachers: don't worry!  I have not abandoned you.  I still have some photos and projects to upload on here.  Though projects for the youngins may not come as often, they will still be there.  My plan is that next summer to host a children's art camp.  There will be more kids art, I promise.

Thank you for your support,
Make Art!

~Kim

Functional Paper Making: Recycled Art in Elementary

Students creating the base of their bowls (2nd grade)

      For Earth Day I wanted to incorporate recycling within art but honestly... recycled art looks like trash glued on a board 90 % of the time when done by kids. Over the semester I have been collecting every tiny scrap paper I could get my hands on.  The kids and teachers know of my "hungry hungry scrap box" and help me with this process.  After separating the colors out it was time for paper making!  All you have to do is blend paper and water in a blender, strain and slightly squeeze out the water.  You will end up with a mushy pill of pulp.  After a couple times you'll get the hang of how much water to paper (more water is better).

It is important to build the base of the bowl first.  Each color should be applied in a small pinch or ball.  Once the entire bowl has been made with the little balls of paper pulp you can press it, linking the fibers. Once dry you can paint with glue, harden, and pop out.  These bowls will stand on their own! They are even strong enough for a set of keys to be placed inside.

This is a great end of the year project to use up all those scraps or even right round Earth Day, focusing on recycling.  I used an AWESOME video talking about paper.  Where it comes from, how it is made, invented, recycled, and even more!  Check it out HERE.

In progress paper bowl (2nd Grade)

The kids had a blast! They almost can't believe that what they made comes from the materials too many of us toss from day to day.


Important vocabulary:

Paper Pulp

Fibers
Pattern
Texture

****Special Credit to Kim Furstenberg of Ayden Elementary for the wonderful inspiration.  She created paper bowls with holes in the side, making them into tambourines for the music element.

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!)