Some things never change… even during a pandemic… Kids love making art!

I am trying to use the enthusiasm of the students as my example and enjoy simple pleasures daily rather than wait for things to change. So far it’s working. ART BRINGS JOY, and not just to the students. 

Cool Projects: Clay without a kiln (and no sharing)

Project 1- Mini Medieval Gargoyles using ½ oz. of Crayola’s Model Magic: 6th Grade

Here is a speedy video showing the whole process: https://youtu.be/R0UXGGpMZMY

Have you seen a Bitmoji classroom yet?

OK, they take a moment to create, but then you have this amazing teaching resource that students can navigate through by themselves, or you can use it as your teaching tool, or you can send it home to your virtual students. The entire lesson is in one virtual slide! Follow link below.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1vpjpXtRWOOx5DzNy4KY4A_34wcLoCvVPxOUj825YI1o/edit?usp=sharing

Clay without a Kiln Project 2- Native American Pinch Pots: 4th-5th grade

Day 1: Students make pinch pots using about 8 oz. air-dry clay (about the size of a tangerine). I used Crayola brand, Let dry overnight.

Day 2: Paint the whole thing with one layer of black tempera or acrylic. Too much paint will peel. Let dry overnight (or at least an hour or two). 

Day 3: Carve designs into the pots with a pointed wooden craft stick, toothpick, needle tool, or paper clip.

Spray with a gloss sealer to make them shiny and protect the designs.

We listened to some peaceful Native American music while we made these pots and discussed Native American history and pottery. 

Here is a slideshow to go along with the lesson:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WIplABic2IDFT6YUOv8QwdP8l0EisppBVJ9qPNxC4X8/edit?usp=sharing

The UTAH Connection…

“Connections” has been my underlying theme for art class for a while and it seems ever so important in 2020 when we are isolated or “disconnected” in so many w

ays.  I think it’s important to build connections with peers, self, teachers, as well as with our own beautiful state of Utah.

 Here are two projects I connected to Utah:

Georgia O’Keeffe and Utah wildflowers

Musk Thistle

Instead of just doing any flower LARGE, these 4th grade students researched Utah wildflowers and did some wonderful oil pastel drawings.  

 Gravel Ghost

Lesson plan link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RDMP_Mv4JROIBgXPvOIhB83XkqH-Emsafko6VO53zq4/edit?usp=sharing

Hokusai: The legend of Mt. Fuji Compared to the legend of Mt. Timpanogos

The 3rd grade class was studying folktales and fairytales so we compared “The Bamboo Cutter and the Moon Princess” to “The Legend of Mt. Timpanogos”  and then did some printmaking. 

Here is a link to the lesson plan:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dDJLwySfOSZX1WApSywcXSutlvGYu-KtdhRMo6TF_H0/edit?usp=sharing

This blog post was written by Christine Palmer. Christine received her BA and MA in Art Education from Brigham Young University and spent time in Reggio Emilia, Italy studying the Reggio Emilia Approach to experiential childhood education. Most recently, she spent nine years as part of the Art Education faculty at BYU and was the Lead Professional Development Partner for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTSArts) while there. She is now currently loving a new position as an Arts Integration Coach for elementary teachers in the Nebo School District.
Over the years, she has taught at every grade level possible and swears she loves every age. Her creative lesson plans and meaningful curriculum ideas have been shared with countless teachers through conferences, classes, and workshops.
As an artist, Christine has a hard time choosing a favorite medium and will just make art with anything she can get her hands on.