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Paper Mache Maracas with Kindergarteners

Paper Mache Maracas with Kindergarteners

Aren’t we always looking for ways to relate to other subjects?  This project is perfect to connect with your music program at school. Materials you will need: plastic Easter eggs (one per child) plastic spoons (2 per child) bean, rice or plastic beads for the inside to create the noise masking tape Elmer’s Art Paste bowl, water, whisk (to mix the paper mache paste) paper towels paint decorative washi tape Goals: make connections between music and art learn about maracas … Read more…

Easy No-Cook Salt Dough Recipe

My daughter had a make-your-own play doh night at her preschool (YMCA, which has been really great so far!) and I thought it would be a fun activity for my little students right before winter break.  We used the recipe that they used at my daughter’s school, because the dough came out really nice and soft!  There are only three ingredients: regular flour, salt and alum (can be found in the spice section at your grocery store).  Well, and water.  … Read more…

Make a Magical Wand

Every so often, I host after school art classes.  I try to have some fun projects that I wouldn’t normally teach during the school day.  These magical wands were a hit with both the boys and girls who signed up for this class. Use dowel rods or natural sticks as the wand base.  Twist, tie, wrap and hot glue fabric, ribbons, feathers, pipe cleaners and colored tape around the stick.  Tie on flowers, add glitter glue and sequins and use … Read more…

Paper Mache Masks — 3rd & 4th Grade

Paper Mache Masks — 3rd & 4th Grade

These paper mache masks by the 3rd/4th grade received lots of compliments when they were hanging in the hallway. The class was studying Native American history in their Social Studies and we looked at some Pacific Northwest Coast masks and we discussed the functions of masks in general throughout the world. We started with a mask form (made of paper mache) that I ordered in a class pack from Nasco.  From this starting point, the students built up and embellished … Read more…

5 Art Center Ideas to Try

5 Art Center Ideas to Try

If you are looking for some new art center ideas for your classroom, look no further!  Today I’m going to share with you 5 art centers my students have been enjoying lately. After visiting two choice-based art classrooms, I’ve decided to incorporate some free choice days into my class schedule.  I think it is important to let students try out different art materials and ideas at their own pace.  However, I am still continuing my art curriculum and will teach … Read more…

Clay Pinch Pot Monsters by 2nd Graders

Clay Pinch Pot Monsters by 2nd Graders

These cute pinch pot monsters were made by my 2nd grade class.  Here is a handout you could use about how to make a pinch pot. After making a pinch pot, the students turned them on their side, squished the mouth down a little and then added eyes, noses, horns, ears, tongues and teeth.  Make sure to score and add water in between each part.  (Some people make slip, but I have found that with our consistency of clay, just … Read more…