2nd Grade: Paul Klee's "Cat and Bird"

I decided to start the year off with a bunch of my grades doing lessons I have previously taught. I haven't had much time to really plan because I got a new art room this year. Most of my time these past couple of weeks has been organizing all of my art supplies and setting up the room. Anyways, one of my favorite lessons for 2nd grade is this one.

Materials
Oil Pastels
Cat and Bird Book by Geraldine Elschner
12 x18" Butcher Paper


Day 1#- I start off by reading the book "Cat and Bird" which is inspired by Paul Klee's actual "Cat and Bird" painting. After reading the book we review the basic shapes in art. I show the kids the painting and together we identify what shapes we see in the face.

Day 1#I . then give my students a 12 x18" piece of butch paper. I start by having my kids use an orange oil pastel to draw a huge "U" shape for the face. We then connect the "U" shape by drawing two slanted lines for the ears. In the center I have them draw a big triangle for the nose. A diamond on either side for the eyes and a circle for the pupils. Below the triangle, I have my kids use a red oil pastel to draw a heart and two small lines for mouth. I then have my student's go back with a white oil pastel to color around the eyes, and they can color in the pupils any color they want. Many of them want to add the whiskers, but I tell them they need to color in the face with a yellow oil pastel. After that I tell my kids to use a yellow orange oil pastel so they can learn how to blend to oil pastels.

Day 2#

 We review the different shapes in Art, and then I talk to them about creating pattern with shape as a background for their cats. I encourage them to color with oil pastels that will help the cat's face stand out.

Welcome To The 2018 School Year

It's been a crazy start to the beginning of the school year for me. I got a new art room, but moving everything was quite tedious. Luckily my Mom (who just retired from teaching for almost 30 years) as been helping me settle in. I am still in the process of organizing all of my materials since I have so much storage space! I got new stools, art tables, and technology. I'm really excited to learn how to use the wireless microphone I was provided with as well. In August I read an article about how over-decorated classrooms can be bad for students since it can be overstimulating. I am trying to not put so many posters up to see if helps at with student learning. (Learning self-control, haha) I also have a kiln, I am still waiting on for the person to come and install it. I can't wait to try it out and use "real clay" with my students. It certainly will be an experience since I have never used one before, but I know I can do it. It wasn't until today that I really felt comfortable and remembered how much I love working with the kids. (2nd week of school). I will update more on my lessons next week. I can't wait to share with everyone.