Total Eclipse of the "Art"

Getting Ready for Dot Day: 3rd Grade Edition

It seems like ages ago now but I wanted to share our first 3rd grade project of the year! 

So many 3rd grade artists were excited to talk about their eclipse viewing experiences.  

I was so impressed with how many made their own viewers too.  

A few students even shared their travels to see a total eclipse with us!

We used this years solar eclipse and Dot Day as inspiration to create Eclipse Dots.

I love how each student had a different take on their eclipse dot art.

Did you have eclipse fever? 

Check out this video for DIY cereal box viewers just in case you want to get ready for 2024 early!

Introducing "Artovation" at Howe Manning

ARTOVATION!

This year at Howe Manning, 4th and 6th grade students are helping to pilot a new innovative arts curriculum called Artovation.  It is an arts based class with so much more! 

Artovation will integrate STEAM, Makerspace, and project based learning into to the art room. 

We're off to a great start.  Check out our first challenge.  

This project was inspired by art teacher, Jenny Knappenberger. 

Click here to learn more about her approach.

We put a "DOT" spin on our brown bag art challenge.  Each group had a different material to use; clay, popsicle sticks, cardboard, pipe cleaners, or curling ribbon.

It was wonderful to see how each group tackled this problem in a different way.  

Check out a few of our finished products and the students at work.

See if you can find how a dot influences each work!

Next time you're at Howe Manning come and see our Dot Gallery in person.

Getting Ready for Dot Day: Fuller Meadow Edition

Fuller Meadow Artists spent their first few weeks of school preparing for Dot Day.  

Want to learn more about what Dot Day is all about? Click here. 

We read a few favorite titles.

 

Kindergarten artists hit the ground running by showing off their fine motor skills.  They created 3D collages using multi sized dots and strips of paper that were twister, bent, folded, looped and more!

1st graders combined printmaking with a review of primary and secondary colors. 

I love how some of the colors bled together to make happy accidents!

Finally, the 2nd grade created dots with concentric circle designs and one of 

my favorite techniques, watercolor resist.

    

What do these dot works of art inspire you to do?

A "Dot"astic Day in Middleton!

We had another successful Dot Day celebration in Middleton this year!

On September 15th students at both Fuller Meadow and Howe Manning found ways to "MAKE THEIR MARKS".  In the weeks leading up and throughout the day students participated in creative and courageous projects and activities.

So many students came out in their best dotted gear. 

I was so impressed with all the home made dots this year!

We had at least 2 sets of Howe Manning twins decked out in dots.

I mean we even had hair dots people!

Even our youngest members of the Middleton community made their marks!

The day wasn't just about dot attire.  

Click on the grade levels for posts on all the amazing projects we worked on in
K-3rd grade art and 4th and 6th Grade Artovation Class.

On my way home that day I came across these beautiful temporary dots in the parking lot at Fuller Meadow. It was so exciting to see how everyone came together to celebrate the day!

Click on these Middleton blogs to see many other dot day projects!

Klipfel & Kids

Ms. Teixeira's T-Rexs

Over in the Meadow
Creating Art with Mrs. Smullin

Thank you for a DOTASTIC day!

Welcome Back!!

Welcome back to a new school year!

I'm so excited to be teaching full time art this year at both the 

Fuller Meadow and Howe Manning Schools.  

I can't wait to witness all the creative growth that happens 

to our young artists from Kindergarten to Grade 6!

It is my goal that all Middleton students will discover that creativity starts within.

This year at Howe Manning all student artists are challenged to make "smART choices".
A smART choice has a positive impact on not only your
 artwork and creativity but also your conduct and relationships.

How can you help your young artist to make smART choices this year?

I can't wait to have a smART and creative year ahead!

Mystery Artist is Back!

Each month I hold a "mystery artist" contest at Howe Manning.  
To learn more about how it all works click here!

September Mystery Artist Facts

I'm an artist and illustrator from Ipswich, MA

I have written and illustrated over 80 children's books.

I have received many awards including a Caldecott medal and a Caldecott honor.

My books have been teaching children to draw since 1961 when I published my first book.

Submit your guess in the envelope at school or in the comments section below! 

* Include your first name, last initial, and class code ONLY for online guesses (ex. George S., 5Ha)

March Mystery Arist

March Mystery Artist Facts

I was a French Artist, known primarily for my paintings.

I lived from 1869 - 1954.

My work showed mastery over expressive color and drawing.

My late life work featured paper cut outs, collage, and decoupage from my wheelchair.

  

Submit your guess in the envelope at school or in the comments section below! 

* Include your first name, last initial, and class code ONLY for online guesses (ex. George S., 5Ha)