Victorian Haunted Houses

Always a favorite with my 5th grade students! We discuss the Victorian era of Architecture and how times were about 100 years ago. We compared several styles of architecture: colonial and their symmetry; cape cod style with their dormers; and bungalow homes with overhang porches. We also looked at present day style of homes (Ranch style) and how things have changed --attached garages, one story with basements, & central air. There were a few great videos on YouTube that showed the gorgeous details of these Victorian style homes, some even showed the interior.

I showed the students how to break down these homes into geometric shapes and then add spooky details, but not too many or it could get cheesy looking. I bought some architecture texture plates for this project and am so happy with the results! Students used colored pencils for the color and the texture plates only in the facade. Fun, fun, fun!!

Polyhedron Ornaments

This is a project I've taught for several years and a favorite of the students. I cut 4.5 squares, the students need 4 white and 4 other colors, I chose Christmas colors ofcourse any will do. Use the template to create 8 nice circles. Decorate only the white with very detailed patterns or scenes. Once finished use the equilateral triangle as a folder. To put it all together I used regular Elmer's, put two sides together (one white, one color), then bend and put 2X2, then 4X4 for a whole Octahedron shape. I punch a hole at the top & string!

Gingerbread Houses

First week back from maternity leave this week! It's been great getting back in the groove! To ease back in, I've started a few of my 'go-to' holiday lessons, they can be found here. Newer things will have to come next year, being gone for 6 weeks throws a ringer in starting everything from scratch!

I found pictures of the gingerbread project 5th graders did a few years back. We used cardboard, hot glue and lots of paint. Students worked in groups since it was such a big project -6X6 square. A great way for kids to work in teams which doesn't always happen in art. If you prefer individual work try making smaller homes-(4X4 or 3x3). I assisted with the hot glue and you could even have them pre-made for student use. Students looked at several examples, painting all with brown and then added windows, doors...ect. This took about 3 classes. We finished with clear glitter for the roof top.

3-D Block Letters

This is always a great lesson for the 5th graders, especially during the end of the school year! They were to choose the first letter of their first or last name, then I helped them draw it into a block letter on a piece of 12X18 tag board folded in half. Once they cut the letter they came out with two, had to build & measure 2 inch walls, stuff it will paper towels so it won't cave in and finally cover it with any paint color of their choice....whew! Now for the fun part, the clips! Student browsed through magazines looking for clips of interest to them, cutting and collecting. Once they had 30 clips they were able to glue them on and then finally a coat of Mod Podge was applied. The students always take pride in their own letter and I've been told by the younger brothers & sisters that their older sibling still has their letter hanging in their room...cool! I love keepsake projects!

5th Grade Coil Pottery

Here are some of the coil pots made by the 5th graders. They all seem to love this project and the results are always great!

5th Grade Foreshortening

Here are the end results from our foreshortening project. The kids did great! Lots of action and expression in their work. I was very excited to get this project out on display. It took about 4 weeks but seemed like forever with the added snow days. Great results and super job 5Th grade!

Foreshortening Self-Portraits

My fifth grades are working on a foreshortening project. I've seen these projects buzzing around. We decided to show ourselves falling, sliding, floating, hanging...anything that would show them compressed from a certain point of view. More finished projects pics to come. The kids will finish with a watercolor wash. So far so good on this one! Lots of creative ideas from the kids!

Delaunay's Abstract Art

Fifth graders are learning about Robert and Sonia Delaunay, French abstract artists. We looked at several of the couple's art and have a hard time telling the difference between their works because they are so similar. We started out using a crayon, making lines with rulers and tracing circles. Students learned about asymmetrical balance in their art. Once the students finished with the crayon they are using watercolor to fill in their areas and practice brush control. So far the results are looking look.

Radial Symmetry 5th Grade

This is always a classic starter project for my fifth graders. A little challenge, a lot of thinking and super results for everyone! Variety in line and shape is a huge focus for this one. Each student starts with a 6x6 paper square and start a design in the bottom right corner, I tell this this will eventually be the middle of their paper. Once their design is finished they sharpie both sides of the paper because they will be flip-flopping it once they trace on the large 12x12 paper. Large paper is folded into 1/4's then unfolded, the student usually use a paper clip to clip the small square behind the first section, trace with sharpie, flip the design and trace in the second section...so on until their design in a complete shape. Students use smelly Mr. Sketch markers and the results are always awesome!

MagicHouseEasterArtProjects Mar'10

Here are some 5th grade student parodies base on the American Gothic

MagicHouseEasterArtProjects Mar'10

MagicHouseEasterArtProjects Mar'10