Sub Lesson: Tracing Shapes and Drawing Patterns

This is my number one sub lesson that I can leave in the "sub tub" for my emergency lesson or for my "I'm feeling lazy lesson". 

The directions are simple: Pick an object from the bucket and trace it at least 5 times on your paper. 

 (I have some simple plastic shapes: circles, triangles, squares... and I also have a bucket of more complex shapes like cookie cutters, cd's, and other random objects for the older kids.)

Once the student traces their object, they draw different patterns and designs in each shape with a pencil. Once they have filled the shapes, they color with crayons. 

Then, they design the background...or incorporate it into the design early on. 

This usually lasts the whole 60 minute class period, but I always leave some "extra time" activities just in case. 

Where the Wild Things Are: Monster Drawings with Kindergarten

Picasso Portraits by 2nd Grade

Maybe I have great 2nd grade artists, maybe they are naturally talented, maybe they have been under my instruction for 3 years…I don’t know…but it’s a glorious whirlwind of talent with this group of kiddos.

 

Whaaaaa!

 

I did not know these existed. I want them!

Picasso Heads with 2nd Grade

These are the beginnings to some really fun Picasso Heads...by 2nd grade

We talked about Picasso, watched the BrainPopJr. video on him: http://www.brainpopjr.com/artsandtechnology/art/pablopicasso/preview.weml

They began by drawing a cubistic head...outlined in black marker and we are coloring them with brand new crayons...(last day project before spring break)

I did an art challenge of coloring one side of the face with cool colors aka Blue Period colors...and the other half of the face with warm colors aka Rose Period colors. (by the way, a very smart kid gave me the Blue vs. Rose Period idea...I just had warm vs. cool....isn't it great when they teach you?)

But they are looking so fun, that we'll put one more day into them when we get back...I'm thinking cutting the heads out and putting them on bright construction paper? or possibly just painting the background...we'll see...I'll post pics after spring break! Woo.

Day Two: Finishing Coloring and Collaging to Background Paper