The Ratner Montessori School Art Program

I love having the ability to set the art program to the pace and needs of each student as we progress through the year. Several project that have taken many weeks to complete with one group of students may be completed in a shorter time according to the group I teach. I appreciate the ability to create a program that serves the creative needs of the students. I thought most the projects would wrap up before the upcoming Winter Break, but we may continue with current projects when the students return in January. I usually begin the ceramic unit after the break as it is a student favorite and a gentle re-entry back into the rhythm of school. I will not post a blog next week as the week is a bit disjointed due to celebrations and events. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday season and am forever thankful for all your support and encouragement.

Photograph by Deborah Fields during the recent NC snowstorm

Kindergarten Art

We added the oil pastel colors to the Marc Chagall inspired work last week and will continue work this week by painting with watercolor. The students learned how to blend the material together with their fingers, creating a "dreamy" atmosphere. We again looked at examples of Chagall's paintings, noting his use of unusual and creative colors. We talked about how his colors and technique made his paintings have a soft and dreamlike feeling. We will complete the work this week for our final class before Winter Break. I will not see the Kindergarten class next week due to VIP day. I wish you all a peace-filled break and I hope you enjoy the time with your family and friends.

 

1st, 2nd and 3rd Grade Art

I am always amazed at the level of focus and detail the young students achieve while creating Zentangle patterns. I expect a high level of work from them and they always reach and often exceed my expectations. Several creative students are designing their own patterns, many are able to translate existing patterns without my assistance and they are enjoying the process. This work helps strengthen their fine motor skills, their ability to work in steps and the skill of seeing how a pattern is constructed. I am not sure the work will be completed before Winter Break, but we will see how the next few classes progress.

1st grade work

2nd grade work

4th, 5th and 6th Grade Art

We are continuing work on the Louise Nevelson inspired wood constructions. Most students have been cleared to use the scroll saw, drill press and sander without my constant supervision and work has been flowing more smoothly. The majority of students are showing careful use of tools, are able to maintain their focus in the Maker Space and are strengthening their skills. I love seeing the willingness to try and fail at an unknown process and appreciate their helpfulness to their peers. We may have one or two more classes in the Maker Space before the project is completed. 

                                

7th and 8th Grade Art

The students are wrapping up their collaborative unit on Animal Farm and will present their final work for critique on Thursday. They have shown improvement in thinking 3-dimensional, crafting their work and translating an idea into an illustrative and informative piece. Most students chose to build their work to fill the black box displays and build a "diorama". A few students created a poster to illustrate their idea. The work will be on display in the second floor black box cases. As a side note, we will hear the Scholastic Art Award results on Tuesday, December 18th, I am so proud of every single one of our amazing 7th and 8th grade students.