New Trimester

Well, the new trimester started last Monday. Spring Break starts at the end of this week. Last week I spent time in most of my classes creating sketchbooks or decorating covers. I went with the folders for 7th grade instead of making them like last trimester. I'm out of paint and I wanted to get the trimester started.
My class are good--it's always fun getting new students and each class period has a different vibe than the previous trimester.
This week we are finishing sketchbooks and either doing Elements and Principles Olympics (6th grade) and E&P days (7th/8th) or Technique Week, where each day will focus on some basic techniques (shading, how to fill a space, coloring) that I hope will help with future projects and sketchbook assignments.

Robots, robots, everywhere!

Probably some of my best lessons are the ones that come at the last minute, born of desperation. Last year, I had only a few days left in the trimester and was about to start a clay unit with my 6th graders. And my clay was rock hard. I had no time to go get more clay. Time for Plan B. My best friend and I had spent an evening making a robot for a party. We had a blast finding normal items we could "robot-ize" for our project. Suddenly I thought about having my students get in groups of 3-4 to build robots out of recyclable materials. We scrambled around the school to find boxes and lids and other assorted items. I pulled out my box of randoms. They had a blast! Kids still come in to see their robot and I have all grade levels asking if they can make robots.

1st Generation Robots on display

This year I didn't do robots until the second trimester. I decided to include a value/drawing unit. I found these great handouts to help. We talked about shading and students had to use shading in their drawing (at least 3 values).

Next came the fun part. Building a robot! I told students to start bringing in recyclable items to use on their robot. And of course many wanted to go dumpster diving in the back of school. We talked about assembling the robot and the best materials to use (hot glue vs. masking tape) and how to alter items to use (paint, wrapping, etc.) on the robot.

2nd Generation robots watch over class...

It was a fun project and kids totally got into it!

7th Grade Coil Bowls

Love the city skyline theme

Great designs and I love the little bird!

For my seventh graders we talk about functional art and make coil bowls. When we are finished, we usually eat ice cream or cereal out of them. I like the idea of attaching another piece on the top. They have to do an original design on the bottom as well.

8th Grade Ceramic Projects

sushi

robot, pancakes (toast?) and a plate of cookies

Love this! Wish the glazing was better (light in some spots)

by far, the talk of all my classes

Usually for 8th grade, I show my students different examples of previous handbuilt projects and they propose their own ceramic piece to make. There is a "clay proposal" form they must fill out. For kids who haven't had art before and as a review for those that have, I demo different techniques to construct their pieces. For the most part they turn out really well. For the students that need a little bit more direction, I give them a specific assignment. Food is usually popular! This trimester they turned out pretty good! There were some that I wish had glazed better, but all in all I was pleased.