Communication in the Art Room

The Mailbox

Over the last several weeks, the art students and I, (2nd-5th grade,) started a mailbox system for the Art Studio. If students want a pen pal, need to write down a question rather than ask it aloud, or simply want to leave a note for the teacher, they can write out a message, on designated paper, and leave it in my mailbox. Either during the class or before their next class, I will read and respond to the mail. In this way, students can communicate whenever they have a question or comment, take time to think about their comment, and then see a written response. It is a fun way for students and the teacher to share ideas and concerns. It helps me make sure I address everyone's needs, even if we run out of time for the day. The mailbox system also encourages students to use vocabulary they are learning and use it in their informal writing.

Studing Batiks and Stained Glass Windows

Third Grade students are finishing a unit in which they are studying traditional techniques of making stained glass windows and batiks. They used Elmer's White Glue to create outlines in their design and created interesting color schemes with chalk pastels.

by Bobby

By Nick

by Carmen

A stained glass window is of course made from glass and held together by melting metal between each shape and pane of glass. A batik is a composition created on cloth. The artist dyes the cloth to add color and covers areas with wax between each color. Many batiks have white outlines between major shapes in the composition, created from outlining the shapes with wax and then removing the wax at the end of the process.