Second Grade Value Night Scene

   In Second Grade, we finished discussing two things that can be seen in many artworks, value and silhouettes.  We learned about silhouettes, shadows of objects without any inside details, and took time to draw four of our own silhouettes for practice.  We also watched this video where a dance group uses their shadows to create different figures.









   Students were then introduced to the concept of value and how artists make value scales.  We used both charcoal and pencil to create a value scale (one for charcoal, one pencil).  Students then applied their knowledge of value to create a night sky, looking something like these:

We created our different value areas by drawing concentric circles, allowing for them a space to put their round value scale.

After our background was done, we learned about how we can use silhouettes to draw a tree.  A tree silhouette was drawn on top of the value sky.

   Here are some final results:

Fourth Grade Clay Looms

    In Fourth Grade we discussed a type of art called functional art.  Students had the ability to learn about looms and different styles of weaving that artists use around the world.  We looked at different types of weaving like carpets, tapestries and clothing items.

  Once we discussed the process that goes into weaving, the students had the opportunity to create their own loom for weaving.  We used clay and rolled a slab, then cut out an organic shape both outside and inside.  Students then used various tools to poke holes through the clay for the yarn, then texture and decorations. 

  We used oil pastels and tempera paint to color in our looms, so we didn't accidentally glaze holes closed.  Students had a wonderful time coloring in their looms.  Students picked out the yarn colors to use and then began their weaving.

    Here are some of the results: