Implementing Art History

     There are so many ways to implement art history into your classroom.  You can do the Vincent van Gogh "Starry Night" Collage that I posted earlier, but there are many more.  As a 6th grader I remember doing a Michelangelo project where we created our own version of the Sistine Chapel's ceiling. We took time during Social Studies for a couple days drawing on a piece of paper under our desks/chairs while laying on our backs. It was a great experience because we were able to relate to how much time it can take to create something above your head.

"Starry Night" Tissue Paper Collage

    For this project we were to create our own version of Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night" using construction paper, tissue paper, paint brush, gel medium, glue (stick/bottle), and sharpies (regular/metallic).

Extension Activity: 
     I hope to teach K-2nd grade, so this exact project might be to difficult for them.  For their age I would prefer doing a project similar, using finger paints instead of tissue paper/gel medium.  This way they'll be able to use their fingers and not have to worry about their tissue paper moving all over the place when they painting on the gel medium.  When it comes to doing the landscape I would have them draw rectangles/squares for the buildings, keeping it simple enough for them.

Scavenger Hunt

     The purpose of this Scavenger Hunt is to allow your students to use a camera to capture the different Elements of Art and Principles of Design that they see in their everyday life. It's a great way to get them out of the classroom and to begin recognizing the elements/principles.  

This bench in Aberdeen represents one of the Elements of Art, "Value", showing range between light and dark.

These mirrored candles in my basement represent one of the Principles of Design, "Balance", showing symmetry.

This snail in an aquarium represents one of the Principles of Design, "Emphasis", showing the snail in focus while the background is blurry. 

This sunset in Harding County represents one of the Principles of Design, "Contrast", showing the difference in colors (light and dark).

My friends Shelby and Callie ice skating represent one of the Principles of Design, "Rhythm/Movement", showing visual movement of the subject.

Footprint

    This footprint project is a great way for students to use their creativity to show the class about themselves--family, interests, and numerous other things that are important to them by using 3 mediums.

   The footprint I made included an ichthus (Jesus fish), my zodiac sign (Taurus), and a heart/heart beat line/faith design to stand for what I believe in. I drew painted toenails and my favorite sandals because I love summertime; one of the circles of the sandal has a red wagon wheel to stand for one of my favorite songs, "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine.  I also included a Piston Cup sticker and the Disney "D", because my favorite Disney movie is "Cars". There is blue tissue paper on my footprint because I live on a ranch, walking distance from the Little Missouri River. Lastly, I have music notes and a picture of Badlands Ministries Bible Camp (BLM), because music is a very large part of my life and I have spent quite a few summers at BLM as a camper/counselor, where I learned how to play guitar.

Extension Activity:
    You can also use this project as a math lesson by taping all your students' footprints on the hallway wall, heel-to-toe, then measuring the length.  Another idea would be laminating all the footprints and using them as their name tags on either their lockers or desks. This way students will be reminded of things about their classmates everyday.