A few traditions

As an Art teacher, it's hard to make connections w/ individual students when you only see them once a week.  So, I started these two traditions in my first years of teaching. 

I started making birthday cards for those students I shared a birthday with (October 20.)  There are usually only 1-2, so it's just a special something.  I also try to give a little "artsy" present like watercolor paints or crayons (I mean, I am the Art teacher!)  I've shared many fun cards w/ kids, and have received some great ones, too.

Our 5th grade students spend a week away at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in late October.  A few years ago, a teacher asked if I could write a few letters to kids who didn't get mail from home.  The tradition is going strong, and kids have even sent me postcards back!  Hopefully, they don't put two and two together (that Bobby's card and Sally's cards are exactly the same and generic), but hopefully they feel loved. <3

Autumn birch trees

My 3rd graders learned about the wet on wet watercolor wash technique.  We gave our papers a generous soaking, then added a sunset (using the warm colors, red, orange, and yellow), then added a green/brownish landscape.

Next, we designed birch trees with Sharpies on strips of white paper.  We made sure to add lots of different lines!

Last, but not least, we added branches and autumn leaves to our paintings.  The results were amazing!

Scientific Drawings: kindergarten through 5th grade

All Glendale students learn about scientific drawings in Art.  

We talk about how their drawings need to have:

Title and date

Realistic drawing and colors

Descriptive labels

Students drew both a leaf (real) and a flower (fake.)