2nd grade winter construction paper tree collage

 2nd grade winter construction paper tree collage

I found this idea on Pinterest but it did not have a link. I only saw the image so if you know where the original idea came from please post a comment. Thanks! 

I provided various shades of green construction paper in two sizes, 6" x 4 1/2" and 3" x 2 1/2"  for students to make their trees. They folded the paper in half, took a ruler and drew a diagonal line from one corner to the other, and cut it. My 2nd graders then cut little snippets of paper from the folded sides of the triangle (don't forget to remind them to not cut the bottom of the triangle). We discussed overlapping and how trees in the woods look. They glued their trees onto a 12" x 18" piece of blue construction paper. The last steps were to cut little snowflakes from 1 1/2" squares of white paper and draw  dots of snow with an oil pastel. 

They really enjoyed this lesson!

4th grade radial symmetry snowflake art lesson

 4th Grade Snowflake paintings

This lesson comes from Leah Newton. Just click on the link to see the original idea. 

We reviewed the term radial symmetry and discussed how snowflakes were created. Youtube has some great kid videos on how they are created. 

I gave the 4th graders choices of colors. They glued an 8" x 8" , a 10" x 10" and a 12" x 12" together. On the 8" x 8" they folded it into fours and then drew a snowflake design. Using tempera paint they painted the snowflake with their choice of white, purple or blue (they could mix these as well). Students could also use a Q-tip to paint dots around their design as well. 

If you want to see the video of me teaching it click on the link here 

https://youtu.be/qWKOOtWfxAQ

This student decided to outline her snowflake with a black marker. 

They had so much fun creating these! 

3rd grade winter mittens art project

 3rd Grade Winter Mittens art project 

I found a photo of something like this on Pinterest. It was a painting by adults but I thought my 3rd graders could do something similar. 

If you want to see how I taught this here is the link

https://youtu.be/bLXfo7TeBeY 

                Students painted a curvy or loopy line across a 12" x 18" piece of blue construction paper. 

They then used a q-tip and painted dots all over their paper. They loved this part! 

 I provided mitten patterns for my 3rd graders to trace. I reminded them to make sure they drew two left hand mittens and two right hand mittens. They used 12" x 18" multi media paper. 

We discussed various pattern ideas and then my kiddos used neon oil pastels to draw their designs. They loved the colors!

When the mittens were complete they painted over the pastels with liquid watercolors. I would remind them to keep the lids on each cup of paint while they aren't using them. I've had to many students ruin the watercolors because they drip paint over them. 

They could paint outside the lines since we would be cutting them out. 

Finally when the mittens were dry, they cut them out and glued them on their snowy sky paper. 

                                     I think they turned out great and they loved making them. 

1st grade snowflake banner

 1st Grade Snowflake Banner

I'm still teaching on a cart this year because of COVID! Here is a lesson I came up with that doesn't involve to much of a mess for the classrooms. 

I think all kids need to know how to make a snowflake, even though it is a little crafty. Our classroom teachers are so busy that they just don't have enough time. 

We practiced cutting on one first and then the kids got to work. We used colored copier paper cut into 4" x 4" squares. 

Students glued their snowflakes to a 6" x 18" black piece of construction paper. I punched holes at the top and they strung a piece of yarn through them and tied it in a knot (well those who could tie a knot!).  

                        I think they turned out great and now the kids can make snowflakes on their own! I think next time I teach this I will have them add glitter! 

  You can watch my demonstration video below.

Kindergarten Penguin art lesson

 Kindergarten Penguin art lesson 

Thanks to Cassie Stephens for this idea. Here is her original  post https://cassiestephens.blogspot.com/2019/01/in-art-room-penguins-with-first-grade.html

She actually did it for 1st graders. I changed it a bit to fit the needs of my kindergarteners. 

I did a step by step tutorial on how to draw the penguin with the class. I always have to stress to make their drawings big and to use the whole paper. We always practice drawing with our fingers first before we draw the actual subject. They actually did great on this.

Here is my demonstration video.

Students used the cool colors of paint sticks to make swirls all over their 12" x 18" drawing paper. I wanted them to use cool colors to make a wintery feeling. They turned out great! Thanks to Cassie Stephens for the idea!