lessons lesson everywhere

http://www.dickblick.com/lesson-plans/

I just found this link on Dick Blicks site..thought I would share... i found some great ideas. Thinking of trying this one with my art club...

On another note two projects that we did up this week...first grade witches and 4th grade script name skeletons......

Some  pre cutting for the witch but it was a great lesson for following directions. I had them us the hands and hair from pre cut 6 x 6 squares. Great for cutting skills! I precut cut the hats and legs,rectangles for shoes (they cut out a triangle), and they the did the dress. This was a 45 minute lesson. They skeleton was 2-45 min. lessons. One to draw the name for the ribs and one week to paint the skeleton.

Inspired by Mr. E of Tennessee

Mr. E you have inspired me! I am borrowing "Mayor Project" your idea for Youth Art Month in March!! We are going to call our program “March into Youth Art Month”! I love the idea you had about getting political figures involved to bring attention to the arts.   We are thinking of kicking off the day with an assembly which a handful of students would play an instrument or hold up a piece of artwork and say why the fine arts program is important to them.  After that we would like to have a local artist, musician, or actor come in and talk about how their grades school art program influenced them.   Then it is off to the classrooms… our visitors will participate with a class in an art and music lesson. It just so happens that our school is putting on a play in March so we will get to show that off a little as well.

 I know the program will bring a positive light to the art program in our district and our school.  This relates to another one of Mr. E’s posts…attending conferences at the state level. I attended the NJ Art Educators Conference a few weeks ago and there were two main ideas I took away from the conference.  The first was that we as art teachers need to teach but also advocate! We need to get the message out that our art programs are important! The second message was teaching art skills for the 21^st century.  The  4C’s of Art Education skills are Critical thinking and problem solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity and innovation . The basic idea is preparing students with these concepts and skills are critical for a student readiness.

I am excited to prepare for this program and I think that it will be well received! It is a win win on all levels. The kids, our program, our district, and let’s be honest me…..we all benefit!  As we prepare for this program and promote the fine arts I am interest to hear if anyone else has done anything like this.  What programs do you have at your schools to promote fine arts?

Lastly to Mr. E.... thanks for insipring me!!

Searching for a crayon song

One of the blogs i follow ( i think : / ) had a post that had a link to a very catchy crayon song. It was a female singer, very folk music sounding. It was shot in a school gym and also oudoors with a handful of students.. does anyone have any clue what I am refering to? Can you send me the link if you do?? I have been sifting through the blogs but can't seem to find it.  Thanks!! Note to self..bookmak something is you think there is the slightest chance you may need it : (

Nightmare Before Christmas

Let me start by saying that I have not tried this lesson yet, but it is in the works to start this week. Another side note..credit where credit is due..i got this from another art teacher in my district...so here is goes

This lesson is a great example of a living artist, writer and film maker. Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas has that oh so creepy by fun main character Jack Skellington. In this lesson the students will draw a closeup of  Jack. In addition students will be able to create a background with movement using only cool or warm colors.
I try to use as much art history as possible and after going to our state art conference I am trying to connect the 21st century skills / "4 C's" to my lessons. With this lesson I will explain how Tim and his team use critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity and innovation to make the film/ artwork.  I will use the first few minutes of the lesson to use the Promethean Board and go on Tim Burton's website  (hopefully it will not be blocked: /). He has a very cool site, check it out if you get a chance. I previewed it..it gives you a virtual tour through his public and private gallery.  The one on the left is public, not age appropriate for elementary school.  The one to the right was private..you had to give your email to enter. That one seemed better. I think the kids are going to love this lesson! I will report back, let me know if you try it!