The Ratner Montessori School Art Program

I was so excited to have a full week of school! The students were all engaged in each project this week and were glad to have time to create and finish up their work. I am switching projects in many levels this coming week and look forward to hanging up the newly completed work around the school.

 I hope you all were able to enjoy the changing colors of the leaves last weekend, this is one of my favorite seasons for hiking and collecting leaves.

Blue Hen Falls at the Cuyahoga National Park

Kindergarten Art

The students had a great time creating the sand mandalas last week in art. They learned how to control their glue enough to draw with the material, did a fine job (mostly) at keeping the sand separated and tried to not spill the sand. They learned about symmetry and how colors look differently when they are placed next to opposing colors. We continued the work with smaller versions on the designs and greater control was shown with the materials. The work is hanging in the first floor hallways between the toddler classrooms. We will begin a series of self portraits today, one of my very favorite processes to present to the Kindergarten students.

Elementary I Art (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade)

We had two very productive days in art this week. Monday's class was focused on completing the color theory painting. The 1st grade students had the most to complete and they showed much stronger control over their materials compared to the beginning of the process. We actually made it through an entire class with no spilled paint. Banner day! The students in 2nd and 3rd grade finished their work and had the opportunity for free work, a favorite treat in the art program. On Tuesday, I presented a new project that was oriented toward the celebration of Diwali. We talked about symmetry and how mandalas were a peaceful and balance work of art. The students were presented a lesson on how to draw with glue and use colored sand to create their work. They showed fine control over the messy material and enjoyed the shorter work cycle for this project. If they completed their work, they could create a free work using the same technique. I also presented the large floor loom work to the 3rd grade students. Several students have begun weaving on the loom and are remembering all the steps to the process. 

Elementary II Art (4th, 5th and 6th Grade)

Work continues on the grid project. The students are probably 70% complete on the project and we will finish the work at the first half of class next week. This process seems to be taking a bit longer than I recall the work taking, but it is probably due to the classes missed than a slower work cycle. I wanted to give the students a break from working on the grid designs, so we did a quick and enjoyable Dia de Muertos project. They drew the traditional skull design with glue on black paper and added colored sand. They enjoyed the break and had learned of the Mexican holiday in Spanish. After half the class had passed, we continued work on the grid designs. 

                            

Middle School Art (7th and 8th Grade)

Work still continues on the candy dispensers. I was really hoping they would all complete the project this week, but it appears we need one more week of finish work. If you have not sent in a glass jar with a lid, every student needs one to finish their work. I am encouraged by some students ability to problem solve and work through their issue without needed support from me. I create these "projects" to try and build their knowledge of tools, basic woodworking techniques, attention to craftsmanship, but mostly to increase their aptitude for problem solving.  

The Ratner Montessori School Art Program

Next week should be the last of our shortened weeks in school and I am looking forward to having a complete week of art with all the students. I am always impressed at the ability of the students to pace their work with whatever time constraints they have. Work continues across all the levels with great variety. I have painting, color theory, wood working, collage work and weaving being created throughout the levels. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with your children and appreciate your ongoing support of the art program. Thank you!

My Mom is painting birds right now and I found this photograph by Mark Eastment that I loved.