Directed Draw... Seahorse

I love art. I always try and incorporate art into our lessons. Some kids don't like art. However, through the use of directed draws, I can help them think a little differently about art and be successful.

Our first directed draw  was a seahorse. We use a permanent marker to draw because if we make a mistake we just "make it work". Often, the kids get so focused on wanting theirs to look perfect or just like the teacher. With using a permanent marker, we avoid perfection and just have fun.

I walk them through each drawing step, going line by line. The students also don't know what they are drawing so they can keep an open mind instead of thinking they "know" what it should look like. It usually only takes 1 directed draw to hook the kids in. Now every time I tell them to get their permanent markers, they squeal with excitement.

Here are our seahorses. I didn't get any pictures in the process this time, but here we are adding color.

Marshmallow Towers

At the beginning of the year, we practiced working in groups. What does it take in order to be successful when you work with another person? How do you make sure everyone does their job? What happens if we start arguing? The students had to work with a partner to build a marshmallow tower that had to stand up. We had lots of fun learning what it takes to be a successful partnership (as well as getting a little sticky).

Trying to Catch Up

Blogging had been put on the back burner this year so far. I will try and get everyone caught up and get some great pictures posted so you can SEE what we have been doing.

Engineering is Elementary: Our new science kits we are using this year. The fun thing with this is, it is both new to the students and myself. Our first module was all about wind. We researched how wind is created and learned about a boy who tried to catch the wind. Our module began by the students designing and creating sails. The students used the Engineering and Design Process and made a plan, created their best idea and then kept redesigning to make it more efficient.

After our sails, we used that knowledge and applied it in order to create blades for a windmill. The students worked in small groups to design their blades and then test. They had to get their windmills to spin quickly first and then they had to get their windmill to lift a cup of washers.

The kids had so much fun with this project. Check out their designs.