Kinders paint Kandinsky

Judging by the intensity of the kinder's faces, I gathered that they enjoyed this project a great deal. The goal is to teach the children color-wheel basics. Begin with three colors of paint (red, yellow and blue) and see what happens. It's really not about getting the paint blended perfectly, it's really just about blending to see what happens.
Start with a 12" x 18" white drawing paper ( I use Tru-Ray) and a muffin-type paint palette filled with yellow, red and blue paint.
I thought a great deal about how to teach this blending lessons and I tried a few different strategies. The best way to start, it seems, is to have the children fold their paper in half lengthwise and make a crease. Unfold then fold again in the other direction, then again. The goal is to create 8 squares.
Now, this part is optional, but if you want, have the children dip their paintbrush in the yellow paint and paint along the crease lines. This defines the eight squares a bit better.

Next, the painting begins. Have the children dip their paint brush in the yellow and in one square, paint a small dot. In another square, paint a ring or a large circle. In another square, paint a circle so big it touches the edges of the square.
Then proceed with red paint. Clean brushes first. Paint a dot in one square (it could be a square with the yellow circle). Paint a large circle then paint an even larger circle in another square. Encourage the kids to use the same squares as in the previous step. This way, the paints will touch and therefore blend.
You can see where this is going. Next comes blue and you do the same thing all over again.

Inevitably, a few kids will begin mixing colors, or use a color different from the rest of the class...no biggie. Let them explore the paint in whatever order they like. I know some classroom teachers do not like this as it demonstrates all too clearly that the students can't listen and follow directions, but for me...well, I just don't think it matters. They're in an art zone and will think differently.
The timing of this lesson is tough to predict. I teach 5 kinder classes. Two classes finished in one 35-minute session and the other three did not. My recommendation is not to rush it. Use two class periods. The first class for the primary colors then the second class for secondary colors (created by mixing, not poured from a bottle).

Kinder Results...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

From my family to yours...have a wonderful holiday.

Upcoming posts in the new year...

• The most adorable (and super easy) Speckled Hen Painting
• A brand new PDF booklet featuring art lessons inspired by children's picture books
• Big, Fat Hen drawing in oil pastels
• Kinders and Kandinsky-a perfect combo!
• Peacocks and metallic paint
  

Kinder Christmas Ornament Craft

Here's a super easy, fun art project to create with your little ones. They would make a cute Christmas card or perhaps even a thank-you note. Just trace the bottoms of any plastic container onto a piece of white paper, cut out as many as you would like and provide the kids with paint, glitter, glue, yarn buttons and sequins.
I did this lesson with my kinders and it took about 35 minutes. I pre-cut one large and two small white ornaments and set them to work.
Here's a fun tip for classroom teachers:I used a colored sheet of paper as their table protector and they used the same paper to "carry" their completed ornaments to the drying rack. Then after the pieces dried, I turned the paper over, glued on the ornaments and wrote their names in silver pen.
Cute, I think!


The table set-up...messy but, oh so fun!



Little hands get mighty sticky, but who can resist glitter?

Perfect Timing: Managing your Art Class

I've been asked many times how to finish art projects with a roomful of little artists when each one works at their own pace. Well, it's not easy, but at the same time, it's not impossible. Here are a few things to think about:

Some children will always finish ahead of others. It may be because they like to rush things, are on-task kids or perhaps just plain bored and want to move on. Whatever the reason, I'm prepared.
I have a station set up in one corner of the art room for "free choice" art time. Meaning, they can grab a piece of paper, a few markers and draw whatever they like. At times, some kids can't wait to get to the "free choice" station and this leaves me wondering if the featured art project was engaging enough. Who knows? Maybe it's time to dream up more creative projects.
For the on-task students who use their time effectively (meaning: don't talk alot!), the free choice time is their version of downtime. They can write a letter to their friend, invent the latest quiz for lunchtime entertainment or simply practice drawing something they like.
Kinders usually repeat the very same lesson over and over again. If the art project was learning to draw a pig, they will use their free-choice time to draw a pig. Very cute.
Here's a tip: Free choice work must be done at their original seat. This means that if their place is messy with let's say, paint, they need to clean it up before starting free choice time.


The Benefits of Portfolios
At the beginning of the year, I make an art portfolio for each student. Of course, they can do it themselves. Basically, the portfolio is just a piece of large paper folded in half. I put their name, teacher's name and grade level on the upper right corner. After each class, I put the art work in their portfolio. When a student has a few minutes at the end of the class, they can get their portfolio and start any unfinished work.
I shouldn't make it sounds this simple. You have to plan. Early in the school year, I did a series of post about which projects to start the school year off with. (You can find the series here.) I always suggest starting with a line drawing. Line drawings will never be completed in one class time. They also only require a black pen. Do you see where I'm going with this? Completing line drawings are the perfect project to work on if there is extra time at the end of a class.Directed Line Drawings
I love directed line drawings. They have many benefits: develop listening skills, enrich vocabulary, teach shapes and relationships, and on and on. Students love them as well because they get to learn how to draw something that well, looks like something. But of course, they can be a tab bit contrived. But everything in moderation, right?
But as far as keeping timing under control, directed line drawings can't be beat. If you teach the lesson well, meaning provide easy to understand steps and samples, the kids will be enraptured. This type of lesson keeps everyone on the same page. They're moving at the same pace...some kids wait a bit for others to catch up, but basically the class is flowing.
It might help you to teach a few directed line drawings to get the rhythm of the class and to see how much time children need.
Encouraging Words
Sometimes all anyone needs is a few kind words. Children are no exception. Often times, the kids who lag behind are just not confident or happy with their work. I really try hard to make every child feel proud. I'm truly impressed by their willingness, abilities and personal creative stamp and I make every effort to convey my feelings to them. I don't believe in the mantra of never giving compliments or being overly careful of my words. I honestly love everything that the kids create (and who wouldn't) and really enjoy celebrating their art with them.

Try very hard to impart a sense of fun with all of your projects. Children will notice your reaction when they paint two heads instead of one, or add way too much glitter when they were told only a sprinkle.

Keep it light. Keep it fun.