Art Makes Kids Smart

Wow! I feel likes it's been two weeks since I last blogged here! Oh wait, it has been two weeks. Time flies when you're busy busy busy.

For those that have read my last blog entry, you'll remember that I began a new teaching approach in January known as Teaching Artistic Behavior (TAB). [See this blog entry for more information on TAB]

Well, to put it mildly, I've been very busy. The TAB approach has been far more work than I imagined. I'm learning something new everyday. There is much more I have to learn but I'm enjoying teaching this way. We are about one week away from finishing our projects and then I will scan and share them here. I use a modified TAB approach and have a few "have to's" (as in, "Teacher, do I have to make this?" - and my answer is, "Yes, it's a have to." ;)

There are many projects that require certain techniques that I want my kids to experience. I want them to be able to follow a step-by-step process and experience the success that comes with knowing how something is done.

We're painting with tongue depressors, cardboard, q-tips, and of course, paint brushes. The results are stunning. Even some of my less-talented students are learning and succeeding at the various techniques. When I'm ready, I'll share these idea with pictures. Here's what's coming:

First Grade: We made simple drawing pictures using concepts in the Ed Emberley drawing system. We learned about proper coloring techniques and what it means to outline main parts of our artwork.

Second Grade: Second graders made simple symmetrical pictures by folding a paper in half, and used the primary colors to paint "blobs" on one side of the paper. Then folding it in half and pressing on the paper, the paint blends together and creating a symmetrical picture. The blending colors create spots of purple, orange, and green. They look pretty cool (kid talk).

Third Grade: Third graders are made paintings that use an analogous color scheme. It's the first time they've been introduced to analogous colors. The color combinations create interesting visuals.

Fourth Grade: Using either cool or warm colors for a background, students paint the background using tongue depressors. The "brush" stroke is horizontal. Then using a contrasting warm or cool color, students use cardboard pieces to paint vertical lines in the shape of towers. The goal is to make structures and later add details to make fantasy castles (using permanent black markers for the details).

Fifth Grade: Using tongue depressors, students made a sunset background and then used a black paint to paint a foreground with the theme of the sunset in the desert. Think cactus. This turned out very well.

I hope these ideas sound of interest to you. I hope to have some pictures up by next week. Until then, happy creating!