The Poinsettia Story

Print: Sponge printing

I always love reading the story of the Poinsettia to my class at Christmas. Last year a TP student used Print as a response to the story. I recreated it again this year- it was just so effective! :) 

Cut sponges to shape and use cotton buds to print the small yellow buds. 

Christmas Tag!

Thank you to Ms Forde's Classroom for the tag! :) What a fun idea!
http://msfordesclassroom.blogspot.ie/2015/12/christmas-tag.html

1. What's your favourite Christmas movie? It has to be 'Elf', never gets old!

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Presents have to be hidden on me...I have no self restraint, I WILL PEEK! So to answer the question, until I am given them!

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? Lots, but the most recent has to be my eldest brother's 40th birthday, December 2012. We lost a family member (brother in law) after so it always holds a very special place in our hearts, it was the last time we were all together and it was a brilliant night.

4. Favourite festive food? Chocolate...All the chocolate!

5. Favourite Christmas gift? So hard to choose- I love when someone surprises you by picking that random thing that you had in mind and you wonder 'how did they know?'.

6. Favourite Christmas scent? That mulled wine smell... ;)

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? They are changing with each year, we used to all go out on Christmas Eve, but I have 6 nieces and nephews so we tend to go for dinner now. This year I am going to England to my sister for Christmas so that'll be new again!

8. What tops your tree? A red star. My parent's tree has a porcelain angel that I just adored as a child.

9. As a kid, what was the one gift you asked for but never received? Baby Newborn. My friend Susan got one, I went to her house every day and played with it!! :D

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you? Having family together, it just doesn't happen at any other time of the year.

Merry Christmas, and a healthy, Happy New Year!

Colour Mixing with Paint

Using oranges, we mixed colours to find the closest shades as possible. There were great discussions as to whether to add white or yellow to the orange. 

We then drew the outline of our oranges with chalk pastels. Sometimes you can still see pencil lines through the paint, chalk is a way around this!

They turned out really well!! Fair play to them! :)

Kandinsky, Emotions, Colours and Shapes

http://www.wikiart.org/en/wassily-kandinsky/color-study-squares-with-concentric-circles-1913

http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/2013/11/14/kandinsky-and-the-rainbow-art-project/

I found this really interesting lesson on Deep Space Sparkle

"Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky’s paintings use color to show emotions rather than painting an object to look real. This concept is particularly intriguing to young children as they generally strive to make all their drawings look as real as possible. Introducing young children to Kandinsky’s abstract artwork encourages them to see that art is created many ways."

It is approached on this blog as a fabric and fibre lesson, but I think it would also work really well as a paint or pastels lesson.

Children find circles very difficult to cut out- so great for fine motor skills also.

I'd like to do this lesson when I'm covering 2D shapes in maths, it would be a fantastic group work project- a table for triangles/ squares/ circles etc and creating the different shapes.

Also- in my MA course, one of my colleagues created colour studies using circles like this. They were amazing. She looked at flowers and them picked the colours in the flowers and arranged them in Kandinsky like circles. This would be a fantastic way of looking at the colours and colour mixing in older years.

Clay Christmas/Winter Themed

"Hey any nice handy ideas using clay with fifth and sixth something a bit different theme winter/ Xmas
"

Clay Christmas Decorations

http://www.tomfo.com/how-to-make-white-clay-christmas-ornaments

A simple way to create Christmas decorations, simply roll and cut clay. Put a hole in the decoration and Tah Dah!

Harry Potter Sorting Hat Christmas Tree

https://www.pinterest.com/bethdierker/

I thought this was a great idea! Ensure to scour and use a drop of water on the surface that you are sticking bobbins to. 

Clay House

http://www.lachicadelacasadecaramelo.com/2014/11/tres-sencillos-diy-con-pasta-de-modelar.html

I liked the idea of this. I would use clay slabs for this. Roll out the slabs of clay you need 24 hours before hand. Store in between layers of newspaper. It will have a leather like texture. It's very easy to work with as it's not sticky.

Stick the pieces of clay together by scouring the surface and buttering on some 'slip. (Blended clay and water 1:4)


Glass Jar Scene

https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/gingered-things-3943183/lichterstadt-aus-modeliermasse-3862165047

Using old jam jars, roll out clay (or use slabs) and create your Christmas/Winter Scene. Wrap around. Finish with some nice decorations like a ribbon around the top of the jar. Place a tea light into the jar for effect!


Melted Snowman

https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/114947964/034-christmas-ornament-melted-snowman?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=glass+fused+holiday&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=28&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmadeglass+fused+holiday

A cool alternative to clay snowmen! Make sure to scour surfaces that you stick together. Paint a layer of PVA glue over the painted clay for a glossy effect. It will look milky, but will dry clear!

Hope there are some ideas here! :) 

Christmas Decorations

I always find it tricky to find Christmas themed art that isn't a real product based lesson. It is nice to send something home to hang on the tree for parents and that children will have as a keepsake. The problem is that we usually try to do this with the early years so we end up doing most of the 'art' for them!

Here are some simple ideas that I've used in the past, or have found online- sources quoted!

Seriously simple for early years:

Wreath:

Cut the middle out of a paper plate. They can paint and stick glitter and sequins on to it.

Candy Cane:

The first process in clay is rolling. The children roll the clay and then shape into a candy cane. Paint red and white strips.

Popcorn Santa:

How about sticking Santa's beard on using popcorn?!
http://www.craftymorning.com/popcorn-santa-claus-craft-christmas/

Still simple for younger ages:

http://www.creativefamilyfun.net/2014/12/paper-plate-christmas-tree.html

A friend recommended to staple the paper plate together!

Painting pine cones:

Children love to paint on surfaces different to paper- large packs of pine cones can be ordered from sites like Amazon, or collected outside if you have access to coniferous trees.
Simply paint and decorate the pine cones and they can be hung as decorations.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/impossibly-adorable-diy-christmas-decorations-641

Bread Decorations:

Using cookie cutters, the children cut shapes in fresh white bread. Make a hole for ribbon with a straw. Leave on a wire tray to harden for a day or two. Mix paint and PVA and paint and add glitter and sequins. When dry, thread ribbon through and hang from tree.

Potato or Sponge Print Wrapping Paper:

Printing a continuous pattern on an A2 sheet to use for wrapping paper.

Laminate decorations:

I stumbled across this online: http://123learnonline.blogspot.ie/2010/12/christmas-ornament.html

Texture Print Christmas Tree:

Another find online, love this! Alter this idea with other objects, fingers or hands.
http://www.bombshellbling.com/12-kid-crafts-for-the-12-days-of-christmas/

Bobbles:

Many pound shops sell seriously cheap bobbles. Decorate using a Sharpie. Add finger or hand prints to create sentimental keepsakes.

http://www.homedit.com/8-christmas-tree-ornaments-can-make-hour/

Jigsaw Piece Decorations:

http://www.redtedart.com/2013/05/08/puzzle-pieces-crafts-snowflakes/

Older years:

http://www.artsonia.com/museum/art.asp?id=7268724&exhibit=241965&gallery=y

Snow Globes:

In an old jar- create a character from 'Sugru'. Stick on the lid. Let dry. Fill the jar with glitter and water. Close and turn upside down. (https://sugru.com/)

Pine Cones:

Creating christmas characters from the pine cones- add cotton wool for a snow man, or lollipop stick for skis.

Creating crackers:

Buy the 'pop' part online, and using an old toilet roll, some elastic bands and crepe paper make a cracker!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tobar-Cracker-Snaps/dp/B000VKPRWU
This is a more complicated version: http://crafts.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-make-your-own-gorgeous-christmas-crackers--craft-15811

Nativity Scenes:

A gorgeous keepsake: http://www.bombshellbling.com/12-kid-crafts-for-the-12-days-of-christmas/

Candle Holders:

Paint jars with glass paint- fabulous candle holders
Create a circle in clay, bend into an 'L' shape. Cut out a shape on the longer side and use the smaller side to sit the tea light.

Paint:

Creating a spherical shape using highlight.

http://www.homedit.com/8-christmas-tree-ornaments-can-make-hour/

Creating a meaningful painting with a special holiday message:

https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/166831254/rustic-holiday-decor-rustic-holiday-sign?ref=shop_home_feat

http://www.homedit.com/diy-canvas-art/

http://blog.creativekismet.com/2013/12/16/chalk-and-hanging-art/

There are also other Christmas ideas like a simple painting of Christmas time.
-Printing with tinsel or pine cones.
-Snow scenes- splat the white paint on with a paintbrush after for a snow like effect!
-Santa in the sky silhouette

This book had some great ideas:

Simply wrapping chocolate bars and decorating as snowmen-

Or decorating matchboxes to hide a small treat in!

Contemporary Art:

http://handmadekidsart.com/concentric-circle-christmas-art-projects-kids/

Warm Colours- Chalk Pastels

Today first class experimented with chalk pastels. They loved this new medium and were engrossed in the process!!

We continued our conversation about how some colours give us certain feelings. Last week's blue was cold and we brain stormed what colours may be warm.

We began with experimenting on small pieces of black sugar paper. These were then stuck into the children's sketch books.

They loved smudging the chalk!

Then the children created warm winter fires- some added fireplaces, others 

created more bonfire style fires!

Pictures were sealed with a quick spray of some budget buy hairspray after the children had gone home.

Line

I have begun some after school art lessons with sixth class. My main focus is to ease the transition to secondary school- giving them a taste of the lessons that they may have if they choose art next year.

I asked some secondary school art teachers for advice and most replied with practice drawing still life objects- they felt that children are so used to making products in primary school that when they come to secondary they are missing a lot of the skills.

http://juliannakunstler.com/art1_ea_line.html#.VkufPBDhDVp

I haven't any formal training in art like secondary school teachers would have, but I'm just giving it a go! However, I did find this website extremely helpful.

Firstly, we began with drawing different types of line. Practising different types of line, with different shades of pencil and varying the intensity of each.

I gave the children some ideas that they may respond with a line.

Then we drew some onions and oranges. The children were encouraged to look and observe- what were they actually seeing in front of them?

Then using 'windows' the children focused in on a small area and enlarged it onto the page.

There was a big focus on looking at the shapes and drawing what they see- not a cartoon version of the objects.

Here's another great idea for creating Optical Illusions with line:
http://juliannakunstler.com/art1_lines.html#.VkuhSBDhDVp

Tones of Blue

I have explored different tones of blue with classes before, but after talking to Eithne Gallagher, I put a new spin on the group work element of this lesson!

We began with making 'lines' or 'marks' in our sketch books.

The colours used were 

- a big bit of white and small bit of blue

- blue

- a big bit of blue and a small bit of black

These are the different tones of blue. The children enjoyed experimenting with the colours.

Then onto our group work. The children were put into groups and numbered. We began with 'No.1's' and they made a mark on the big page. Then 2's and 3's.

The plain white paper now had 'marks' on it. This removes the perfection/fear element.

The children that are normally shy have already made a mark and hold ownership over the group piece. The stronger children will step back as the paper is already marked and they won't take over.

The lesson ended up being quite experimental. As I said, I have done this lesson before and the end result was quite polished. However, this time it was more process based and the end result was quite abstract. The children really enjoyed it!

1916 Rising

I've had a few messages about art based on the 1916 rising (some of you are very organised!!). Here are a few ideas that may come in handy!
This is a great resource: http://www.easter1916.ie/index.php/schools/primary/#

Tea Stained Photographs:

Firstly, the setting-
Examine old photographs. Children are fascinated by these. This link has some details about cameras in history: http://photodoto.com/camera-history-timeline/

Photos took a long time to capture and develop in 1916. Often moving objects are not captured properly because of this.

Photos can be compared before and after the rising, or then and now. There are some photos on the Easter 1916 website mentioned at the top of this post.

The children can work on creating their own old photos. Using tea bags, they stain the paper. Leave to dry and then using pencil draw their 1916 scene. Trace over the pencil drawing in black marker.

http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/bitstream/10599/312/2/wm_4562.jpg

It's worth mentioning the the site this photo is from has fantastic resources- southdublinlibraries.ie

Especially this pdf:

http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/bitstream/10599/11506/5/1916SchoolsPack.pdf

Posters:

Discussing the use of propaganda posters, the class could design some of their own. Imagine what they might say in regards to the 1916 rising.

http://astro.temple.edu/~bigred76/c63/britishwwi.html

Seomra Ranga has a post with some slogans and quotes that may be a good starting point.

http://www.seomraranga.com/2010/07/1916-slogans/

When children are creating posters, remind them about clear writing. If the students are more able, can they tie in the writing with the theme of the poster? What clues will we see in the poster about the rising?

Responding to Poetry:

W.B. Yeats famously wrote "All that changed, changed utterly" (full poem here: http://www.easter1916.net/peom.htm).

http://izquotes.com/quote/279895

There are other poems related to the 1916 rising here: http://www.1916rising.com/pic_poetry.html

The children could read, maybe pick their favourite line/poem. And create a response to it. 

This may be using the writing and decorating it, or maybe a more abstract response. 

They could explore the colour and shapes that comes to mind as they read it. Is it dark and sharp? What kind of lines can they imagine as a response?

Maybe a creation in clay as an abstract response? 

The abstract response can be displayed with the poem, or not.

Construction:

Using a shoe box, the class could work in groups to create the scene of the 1916 rising. 

The background can be painted, buildings made from cardboard and attached and figures from clay or plasticine. 

I stumbled across this image on http://diarmada.scoilnet.ie/blog/files/2011/05/DSCF2992.jpg- how fantastic is this! 

Responding to Art from 1916

This article outlines some of the paintings created during this time. This may be a great talking point for the children to respond to the art created during this era.

http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/1916-schools/the-art-of-conflict-paintings-of-1916-1.2361898

Info about this painting: http://www.hughlane.ie/curators-choice/1224-menofthewest

Walter Paget’s Birth of the Irish Republic

Other Resources:

Powerpoint download: www.iisresource.org/Documents/0A4_1916_Images.ppt

Another useful site: http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/1916-schools

As I have already mentioned, I work with younger years, so am a bit out of touch with some of the senior classes history curriculum. I'm very open to others sharing ideas that they have also! :)