Small Loom Pouch

WEAVING!!

If you are any elementary art teacher, weaving is something just we do. It helps with those fine motor control and understanding patterns. AND can really see who is good at concentration. 

For my 5th graders I have them do small loom weaving pouches. I try to time this well with their native Americans studies in their classroom. When I showed them pictures of different types of weaving, I include a link to the native Americans. 

There is no real special thing I do with weaving that has not been done. The students are just always so proud of what they made out of just some yarn and cardboard. 

Germs

If there is any grade that needs to learn the grossness of germs it is kindergarten.

      

I start by reading my students a book about Germs. I like this book because it has some unique germ designs and talks about how they get into your body and how to fight them.

What I have them do next is learn about lines, I use this project as a way to understand different line designs for the surface. We go over all different lines and I have them describe how to make the line with their hands. Starting with pencil then going over with crayon. Also try to point out the difference between thin and thick. I even have up a poster for them to reference as they work. 

The reason for the thick lines is due to them painting over them with tempera cake paint. I let them paint however they want to paint it. Just paint and see how the crayon blocks the paint from the paper. 

The next parts are my favorite. I have them take their paper and fold it in half (hot dog style as I call it.) and cut a half circle out. From one corner to the next as I tell them. (so turn the hot dog bun into a taco shell) When opened it makes an oval that they then use scrap paper cut into shapes to design. I have them make a boarder for the feelers, then of course googly eyes. And last to add some texture, we use scrap yarn. This is probably my favorite project because they really get into making the germ their own. 

Plus I can call kindergarten gross for a couple of weeks. As you can see, really individualized. 

Gargoyles

                                          

One of my favorite 2nd grade projects is gargoyles that I do every year. The students have fun looking at talking about gargoyles and get to use clay to actually build something.
                                                                            

I start by having the students look at pictures of gargoyles and guess from what they look at like what they do. Then I show them a quick video from youtube (couldn't find many good ones so I switch every year)

Once fired, we paint! I just use just watercolor paints because it allows for the students to really play with color. And then I have them use pipe cleaners and beads for the arms/legs, if they made the holes. If not, then no arms and legs. Love these little guys.