Math Art

We had a little more fun with area and perimeter last week.  Students created these fantastic math art projects.  

After I explained the project, students worked in pairs to make a mini model of their design on graph paper.  Next students used 2 by 2 inch squares to create their masterpieces.  Once the art was completed, the kiddos then found the area and perimeter of their project.  Last but not least students were able to visit other classmates' math art projects and try to find the area and perimeter.  Are we having a cool gallery walk or doing math?  I say BOTH!  What an amazing way to integrate math, art, and teamwork.

Rudolph and Clarice

I just love the personality that shines through these happy reindeer!  After drawing their reindeer, our sweet second graders used watercolors, chalk, and sharpie to make their masterpiece come to life.  LOVE!

     

Awesome Ocean Art

I've said it many times but I have to give major shout outs to our oh so talented art teacher Mrs. Trudell.  For the past two weeks the students have been working on these stunning ink-pen masterpieces.  The detail and effort each student put into their work is truly amazing.  My favorite quote when I picked up the class from art last week was, "Look Mrs. Lara it's my first time using cross hatching.  Isn't it cool!?"  Be still my heart!  Cross hatching!  What in the world!?  How many second graders know what that is???  Amazing MATES artists of course! :)

Ocean Animal Reports and Art!

We have been learning so much about the amazing animals that live in the sea.  One of our many ocean animal projects was this super fun partner research, writing, and art project.  Each student worked with a partner to research any ocean animal of their choosing.  We had everything from yeti crab to orca whale.  Once they found out the diet, habitat, predators, description, and interesting facts about their animal they put all their thoughts and information into a paragraph to report to the class. Next each partnership created a large 3D version of their animal to hang above their desks.  Woo!  We have been busy busy busy learning and working hard to get ready for open house!

Good Day Sunshine

Oh my goodness!  This just might be my most favorite art project ever!  We affectionately referred to it in class as our "awesome art project".  :)  I came across the idea on another wonderful teaching blog (for step by step directions please visit Oh Boy 4th Grade!) and just had to find a way to work it in to our curriculum.

As I shared previously, we have just finished reading Because of Winn-Dixie.  In the novel Gloria Dump shares with Opal many nuggets of wisdom.  One of which is that everyone has a personal "most important thing"  it's different for everyone, and you'll know it when you find it.  We took this idea as our jumping off point.  The children each picked one special word and they expressed their most special things through these bright, spectacular art projects.  Once again I am amazed by my second grade artists!

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie

I forgot to mention we read Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie a few weeks back... it's been such a whirl wind lately, I think May rivals December on the business scale!   Anyhow, this is a wonderful children's book based on a true story.  It's about a brave young girl who cares for her family's lighthouse when her Papa gets caught in a tremendous storm.  My sweet second graders have become such fluent skilled readers.  Each one of them has made a ton of growth this year and I am so proud of their successes!  After reading the book in reading groups, they made these beautiful lighthouses to go with the story and kick off our ocean unit.  The kiddies also wrote a poem to accompany their artwork.