Paper Cylinder Sculpture

(here's my example for this project....this turned out to be really fun!)

 

 

I was browsing pinterest and saw this fun project for younger kids which teaches sculpture techniques and it's a great way to get rid of scraps! How perfect. I am doing this with the 1st graders although all the other grade levels are wanting to make these now!

I demonstrate how to roll up a piece of paper around a pencil and cut little slits in the bottom.

 

One of the objectives is to show variety in the heights, shapes, sizes and colors.

 

 

Fun Friday Project!

I decided to give the kids a fun little challenge for Fun Friday...I'm really lucky to have a great group of 1st graders who can handle anything I throw at them. So, the challenge was to create a paper sculpture using loops this time and they were trying to see who could make the tallest sculpture. I got to say "make sure you're sculpture has structural integrity" ....that was fun.

 

 

Paper Sculpture using loops

 

At the demo, I was discussing the minimum amount of loops they needed to have....

So, I said, "Let's say you need at least....(and I was going to say 10)" and one of my kids chimes in, "at least 20?"  Love it.

 

 

 

Finished Treehouses by 1st Grade

This is my second year teaching this project. It lasts about 3 class periods and has really fun results! The kids love this!

Personified Pumpkins-1st Grade

Well since it's not politically correct anymore to do Jack-o-Lanterns...I called these Personified Pumpkins. Pretty creative ideas from my 1st graders.

 

We drew the pumpkin shape on orange or yellow paper, cut it out and then drew patterns with oil pastels.

Next they collage eyes, the nose and a mouth.

Finally they were to add some type of stem or creative addition to the top.

Calaveras!

This is my favorite Day of the Dead project thus far...mainly because it's fairly easy and has awesome results. 

We've been discussing and learning about the Day of the Dead, a joyous Mexican holiday celebrating the lives of departed loved ones. An iconic image associated with Day of the Dead is a Calavera or skull. So, we made these awesome pinterest inspired 'sugar skulls' out of paper plates!

I made some templates of the skull shape which makes everything easier. The kids always have the "art challenge" option where they can draw their own, but tracing isn't that big of a deal on something like this. 

We decorate the 'calavera' with black sharpie and color in with washable markers. 

I set some printed skulls out for inspiration.

After the decorating is done, we glued the skull to piece of black paper which was embellished with oil pastel designs. 

And finally, we added sequins to jazz it all up. 

(2nd graders!)

This nose looks like a mouth (to me) which gives it this crazy alien head look that is so striking!

Sugar skull with glasses

Barriletes!

I recently attended a workshop at Cheekwood all about El Dia de los Muertos. It was super fun and I thought I'd try some of the projects with my kiddos. I've always wanted to teach a Day of the Dead lesson but never felt like I had all the facts right...and now I feel pretty good about it..hence all the fun DOD projects.Enjoy!

2nd Grade Barriletes

Barriletes is the tradition of flying kites on November 1st. The kites serve as a symbolic connection to departed loved ones. The kites are believed to help guide their spirits back to their families for El Dia de los Muertos. 

4th Grade Barriletes

More Information about Barriletes: 

      

"In Sumpango, Guatemala, a unique tradition has developed. For months, groups work to build giant kites. The kites frames are made of bamboo and the kites themselves are made of tissue paper. The designs are incredibly intricate and often hold a political message."