Monday, March 29, 2010

The New Semester

Students are finishing up on "Green Projects". Grade 6 have reused items by giving cans or plastics a coat of papier mache' newspaper and then a layer of reused roll printing paper from CPO. Students are completing the new functional objects with mosaics created from magazines.

Grade 7 had a choice of the above project as well as gum wrapper bracelets, magazine bowls or boxes. I hope to have a nice variety to display at the "Green Fair".

We are preparing to start the ceramic clay projects on Thursday. Students may bring in a small wash cloth for extra credit. This will be used to store and keep clay moist. Grade 7 will be constructing slab/coil Greek based vessels. Grade 6 will be constructing two pinch bowls and adding 3D elements in order to create either a fish, frog, or an owl. This finished object may function as a paper weight or a change/sponge holder. The clay project is always a highlight of the year. This is the first time to try ceramics in the new Hickory. I moved in a ceramic area table to the back of the room over break. We will learn the best routine as we go, so students need to be patient. I know we could use more wedging boards...canvas covered boards (18'x24')...I am providing 5 of my personal boards for the students to use. These are a student favorite and they fight to get to the boards as soon as they come into the room. If anyone is willing to help me get some more put together that would be great. I do have some personal plywood and pressed board we could cut and cover. My plan is to store student projects on moving shelves in the storage room. I want to thank the Elementary PTA for letting me bring the shelves from old Hickory. We have been using the large rolling shelves for nearly every project since we have been in the new building!

End of the Quarter

Final points for the third quarter:
Printmaking points have been posted. I will display the 6th grade Ancient Mexican collages and the 7th grade Illuminated Letters in the art hall. I was hoping to have display boards in the hall to appropriately display the student work, but will have the students help me apply masking tape to the backs of the work in order to put in the hallway.

Participation points have also been posted. I always add in bonus points for any unused passes, yet I take off points for pencils having to be checked out. ***Always be prepared with supplies!!

Students were given a list of extra credit activities....such as.....attending the All School Art Exhibition, submit drawings for the SPS Board Budget book, explaining the 2010 Olympic metal designs..... Students may also bring in magazines, gum wrappers, Starburst wrappers, or ziplock bags for bonus points. We are always needing something in the art room.