Great Art Sites for Kids— Build Your Wild Self

Build Your Wild Self is a site sponsored by the New York Zoological Society, which allows children to create a self portrait Using attributes from a variety of wild animals.

First you create an avatar based on your human self, a fun exercise self portraiture. The you choose features from different animals to create your "wild self." As you work, you hear the sounds each animal makes and your final result lets you read about the attributes you've chosen.

This would be a great exercise to combine with a "Where the Wild Things Are" art lesson. It could also be a cross-curricular themed project with wildlife sciences. Here is the wild self I created:

Calaveras Portraits Inspired by José Posada

My fourth graders are learning about the works of José Posada, an artist from Mexico who illustrated political cartoons which poked fun at the members if High Society. He was also influenced by Dia de los Muertos, hence his portraits rendered as calaveras (skulls).

My amazing family of artists helped me to create some sample pieces for my classes. Here are our creations. Students' work to come soon!

Our Finished Mural

Our bottle cap mural is finally complete! Over 1,200 caps make up this rendition of Picasso's The Dreamer. Thanks to all of the children who helped create it. Oh, and we're still collecting.

Bubble Writer Winner!

Thanks to everyone for entering for a chance to win the book  How to be the Best Bubble Writer in the World Ever! by Linda Scott. Ashley, you are the winner! Congratulations.

Please check back soon for more posts, lessons, and perhaps another giveaway...

Bubble Writer Give-Away

A few posts back I shared a review and artwork made by me and the kids for  How to be the Best Bubble Writer in the World Ever! by Linda Scott. This is a brilliant workbook style book that introduces us to and guides us through the world of the bubble writer. I hope you've had a chance to do some bubble lettering art of your own. If you haven't and need a little guidance, here's your chance. I've received a second copy of this awesome publication and will be giving it away to one of you!

 Please leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you to enter. One entry per person. I will select a winner at random on or about September 5th. Good luck everyone!

My first Teaching Position

Well it's finally official. As of next week I will be teaching full time! I have just been hired as a leave replacement from September through November. One of the teachers I had subbed for last school year just had a beautiful baby girl and is taking maternity leave. And she has been incredibly helpful and supportive beyond my dreams! She has given me lesson plans, notes on classroom management and given me free reign in decorating the art rooms. I wish everyone could have this kind of experience. Thank you Emily!

So I have helped her unpack art supplies for the year, set up art rooms, started writing lesson plans, and have been reviewing notes, schedules etc. I have two days of new teacher orientation next week, and one professional development day for staff meetings etc. Oh, and then the real work begins. I have more and more respect for what teachers do every day! And my excitement is growing as well.

I wish you all the best for the 2011-12 school year, teachers, parents and children!

Zen Pandas

 I have been working on more lessons using children's books as inspiration. They make great cross-curricular projects, and highlight careers in the arts. I recently saw this one on MaryMaking and had to use it! Thanks Mary.

Students created mixed media works based on the children's book Zen Shorts by John J. Muth. The background combines pastel, ink and tempera techniques. The pandas were drawn in pencil, then sharpie, and color was added with watercolor washes. Each work depicts Stillwater the panda floating with his paper parasol. Enjoy!