The Art and Science of Poetry contest

A local university sent me a postcard about a contest they were sponsoring for grade school kids that combined science, poetry, and of course, art - nobody loves an integrated lesson like me so I was all over it. I sent the info to my classroom teachers and many were interested, but after so many snow days recently just couldn't squeeze it in in time, except for Ms. Keller's first graders, who jumped early and we made the deadline by the last minute! In their classroom, the kids talked about the theme "Science is Everywhere" by reviewing concepts they'd learned this year - magnets, water cycle, light and shadows - and types of poetry like cinquain, haiku, and acrostic. After writing their poems, they brought their posters to art class where we brainstormed illustration ideas. One of the favorite topics was "the experiment", which we agreed was messy and fun, so we did some paint dribbling and spattering on all the posters. The students worked in pairs, like the girls above with their magnet themed illustrated poem.

Zac's haiku is so descriptive!

This one is all about the mysteries of outer space.

I love the line "I like shadows more than light." 

This one shows the students in the lab setting.

Tye and Mikhail want to build rocket ships!

Nice haiku here - my favorite kind of poem, I must admit.

Pop-Up Architecture in Kindergarten

 

Kindergarteners drew a variety of different types of buildings and learned about the job of the architect. We also created folded paper backgrounds with a pop-up tab, so the building stands on its own when the paper is opened - pop!

We also experimented with folding, curling, and bending paper strips to create paper sculptures. Making 3-D art is a favorite with these young artists.

Two new student planners!

I'm a planner. I've noticed that when my students have the opportunity to plan, sketch, and practice before jumping into the project in-depth, they do much more critical thinking and end up happier with their results. So, I've thrown together a couple of sheets that are helping my kids in this area and they are available on Teachers pay Teachers if you'd like to try them too! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Knights-Smartest-Artists

Both sheets are hand-drawn to give a sketchbooky, loose, whimsical feel to go along with the mindset of brainstorming. They are most appropriate for 3rd grade through middle school, I would say. One sheet, called Make it!, walks students through some planning choices, provides a place for thumbnails, and has a space for reflection at the end, which could be for themselves or peers. The second sheet, simply called Thumbnails, gives tips on using thumbnails effectively and creating variety within the set. 

They are a great addition to the student portfolios I use or would be great in sketchbooks too. Thanks so much to all of you who check out my TpT store - I love getting the feedback from all of you and it has helped me get a little "college fund" started for my daughter who is graduating in just a few short months!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Mrs-Knights-Smartest-Artists