This spring, second graders embarked on a true PBL (project based learning) experience.
I was inspired by this Mrs. Knights Smartest Artists' Pet Portraits. Check out her lessons here!
When it was time to tackle our clay model magic lesson I knew my grade 2's would love it!
I started out by printing pictures of cats and dogs available for adoption from two local animal shelters, The Northeast Animal Shelter and the Cape Ann Animal Aid. Click on their links to learn more about their animal adoption.Students created animal sketches based on these images.
Following the sketching process, students began sculpting with Model Magic. Student's learned to push and pull and manipulate their clay to capture their animals best features!
The next step was to paint.
Painting was divided into 2 layers over 2 days, the background and the details.
We also experimented with using a spot of white for the reflection in the eyes and noses.
I loved seeing their rescue animals come to life with color.
They did such a great job - take a look!
Finally, to make this a true project based learning experience, students learned about the importance of adopting rescue animals from former Middleton student, Molly Wogan. Molly is such an amazing young woman. She started her own organization working and volunteering with many local Animal Shelters. Click here to learn more about the wonderful work Molly does with PAWS New England.
We were so fortunate to have Molly come and talk to the 2nd Grade about her volunteer work.
To prepare for Molly's visit we had a drive and collected donations for the Cape Ann Animal Aid; used linens, treats, newspapers, toys, and gift cards.
We loved hearing how important it is to help animals and adopt a pet!
2nd grade artists used Molly's presentation as research for their persuasive arguments about "Why you should adopt a pet." Finally, they used Chatterpix to make their special arguments!
They did such a wonderful job on their Chatterpix arguments.
This year, grade 2 artists dove into architecture and designed their own buildings.
We explored all sorts of different residential structures,
like free standing houses, town houses, and city buildings.
We examined roof lines, window details, doors, porches, and types of siding.
Students started out using a ruler to draft their building designs.
They then used crayon and marker to add color to their drawings.
2nd graders also learned to increase crayon pressure to show value in their houses and make them appear more 3-dimensional. Finally student's mounted their buildings on cardboard using varying layers of small cardboard squares behind each building to create a work of art in relief.
I loved seeing the whimsy come out in their finished houses!
Here's a few second grade artists showing off their work at our annual Flint Library Art Show!
The last surprise part of this project was tying in the green screen.
Each 2nd grader wrote an artist's statement, where they analyzed and reflected on their work.
Thank you to our Technology Specialist, Dierdre Baker who, filmed each student reading their statement and used Do Ink Tweets to put each student inside of their work.
Check out each group's performances - I loved how they turned out!
The last 2 months got away from me and I fell way behind with posting the secret artists for April and May. That doesn't mean we had any shortage though! In fact, we had students focusing even more than ever to ensure they were the week's secret artist. Take a peek at these eager young artists:
April's Secret Artists: Week of April 23 - April 2
Picture Group: Mia V. (1EH), Ayla J.(1S), Haik C.(7K)
Sticker Group: Julia B. (KO), Haddie D. (KM)
May's Secret Artists: Week of April 30 - May 5
Picture Group: Zach M. (1T), Marco I.(2M), Kip C. (2L), Ryan M. (2L), Alex C. (2L),
Noelle P. (1K), Nikola P. (2K) Sticker Group: Mira M (KM)
May's Mystery Artists: Week of 5/7-5/11
Picture Group: Christianna P. (1KH), Ava L. (1T), Gianna Z. (1K), Olivia B. (2K)
May's Mystery Artists: Week of 5/14-5/18 Picture Group: Jack L. (2B), Robbie W. (1KH), Anthony C. (2K) Sticker Group: Mia C. (KN)
May's Secret Artists: Weeks of 5/21 to 6/1 Picture Group: Colin T. (2B), Nick Y. (2M), Abby M. (2K), Kaylee A. (2B) Sticker Group: Ryan D. (1K), Logan C. (2M), Isabella R. (2L), Sophia E. (2L)
