People in Motion!

Dancer Series, Charles Searles 1975

     In this lesson, we discuss showing movement and action in artwork.
     The first day, we look at the artwork by Charles Searles. We discuss if they are moving or standing still-the students ALWAYS say moving. Then, we talk about how we know that from looking at a still picture....pattern, rhythm, diagonal lines, etc. Then, of course, we all stand up and practice our poses, some showing movement and some stagnant. I show them how to draw a human using simple shapes and we pick some of the best poses and practice drawing them, first together, then on their own.

      One the second day, we pick their best sketch from the day before and redraw it onto a piece of tag board or manilla file folder. These figures are then cut out.
      Over the next few days, we trace these manilla templates (flipping as we go) to create people in motion-dancers, ninja, skaters, etc. Students were challenged to alternate boy and girl and add LOTS of details.

Winter Art

These are a preview to winter ideas I am doing or have done (student and teacher examples). I will add full posts soon!

Update!

I am updating my page!

I am trying to make things more helpful by linking the actual documents I use in my lessons. I will be trying to include a lesson plan, the wall information, parent note, and other resources I might have like PowerPoints, Smart Notebooks, and worksheets. So here's the deal:

Lesson Plans- My format has morphed over the years though they generally have the same information (with the possible trending district policy apparent in some).

Wall Information/Display- I print this off and display it above the artwork so administration, teachers, students and any visitors can not only see the cool stuff we are making, but also read that we are LEARNING techniques, concepts, vocabulary, etc. I get so much good feedback from this and the classroom teachers love to know what we're learning in art.

Parent Note- I print, copy, cut, and then glue these onto the back of the artwork. Like the Wall Info. I want people to know what we are learning about. With 500 students, this is a great communication tool with parents. These little summaries also helps bypass those times we ask our kids what they are learning about in a class and they can't tell you.