K & 1: "Wild About Lines"

K & 1 Wild Things

Markers flowing, scissors cutting, and imaginations running WILD...this is what's been happening in the art studio these past two weeks! And while my custodian might not be the happiest human right now (due to our developing cutting skills)...I have been filled with joy to have witnessed the creativity sprouting in my kindergarten and first grade classes! I had the students give their "Wild Thing" a name, and create a short narrative about what kind of creature they have created. The names and stories brought millions of smiles to my face!!

Here are a few examples of work in progress:

...and those were all kindergarten examples...WOW!!

I then decided to create the "land of the Wild Things" for our little friends to live, dance, and play in...(a bulletin board) which also showcases our unit on line!

My "Wild Thing"

Hand Painted Background

Land of the Wild Things

We're Wild About Lines

Awesome Craftsmanship

I hope you enjoyed following my artists as we learned about line!

Miss Miller

2nd & 3rd Grade: Continuous Line Drawings

This week in 2nd and 3rd grade we have been learning and reviewing different types of lines: straight (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), curved, wavy, zigzag, thick, thin, outline, and broken. We started out reviewing these types of lines using The Artist's Toolkit. Students were able to come up to the board and practice finding these types of lines within different works of art. We then, as a class, created an artwork using these types of lines. After learning about these lines, we read the book "Follow the Line to School". This is an awesome book that uses only ONE line to create many different images in the book. The line carries us through different rooms within the school, and asks students different questions about each classroom.

Next week, we will be creating our own work of art that will be made up of three images using only one line. Keep on practicing identifying these different types of lines using The Artist's Toolkit (click the link above)!

UPDATE**
We have finished our unit on line. Here are my examples of student work throughout the project!

practice day

work in progress

work in progress

work in progress

I was elated to see that so many of my friends chose art as their favorite part of school!! :)

Miss Miller

Take a TOUR of the FCE Art Studio!!

This year I was fortunate enough to be able to move the art studio to a different, brighter portable that was previously used as a fifth grade classroom. I am so happy to be in a room with numerous windows and tile floors (easier clean up for those messy paint days)! Here are a few photos from around the room:

Much of the room design was inspired by my favorite author and illustrator, Eric Carle. I used Eric Carle bulletin boarder, rules, and color display.

Our class rules

Eric Carle Animals/Colors

Eric Carle Animals/Colors

Each table has a hanging mobile of a designated artist. I use this for calling the students to the rug, picking up supplies, and lining up at the door: "Will my Monet's please push in their chairs, and line up at the door." Some classes also played a fun "line" game this week, using mini whiteboards, and each team was named after their artist.

Table 1: Claude Monet

Table 2: Faith Ringgold

Table 3: Andy Warhol

Table 4: Salvador Dali

Table 5: Pablo Picasso

Our "Word Wall" is where the vocabulary words and essential questions for each grade level are posted. Right now, we are learning and reviewing different types of lines.

Word Wall: Grades K-5

Art Objectives: Grades K-5

During the last five minutes of class, students will complete an "Exit Slip". Exit Slips help the students to reflect and process new information while practicing their writing skills, and they help me to check for students' understanding. A new question is posted each week; students will answer the question, and post their answer to the number that correlates with their seat number (found on the back of their chair).

Exit Slip chart

In the art studio, if students choose not to follow the rules, they are given one warning. If they continue to not follow the rules, they are expected to sign the behavior folder. Each class has a folder with their classroom teacher's name on the front. They will write the date, their name, and what rule they were breaking. 

Behavior Folders 

I also like to reward my classes that follow the rules. If no more than two people in a class have to sign the behavior folder, the class will receive a "fish sticker" for their class treasure map chart. When a class has earned 5 fish stickers, they will get to participate in a "Free Art Day", or in other words, art of their choice. Also, for each grade level, the class that receives the MOST fish stickers on their maps, will get to partake in a special "Art Party" at the end of the year!! My little artists are trying their hardest to reach that goal!

Positive Behavior Treasure Maps


This year our theme is "Setting the Course for the Treasure of Knowledge" (which further explains the treasure maps above). Here is our pirate themed bulletin board, which will display student work.

I am also so blessed to have two computers AND a Smart Board in the art studio. We will be using these for centers, and to enhance learning through interactive art games!

Thank you for stopping by, and taking a look at the Fort's Art Studio! I hope you enjoyed seeing where your little artists will be exploring their creativity this year!!

Miss Miller