Colorful weavings from a 3rd grade class
Now that December has arrived, students are familiar with routines and skills are developing in drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers and 3D design media. Student-directed work has transitioned into more sustained practices, with art making activities that extend over several classes or longer.
A love of soccer engages fifth grade boys in this long-term stadium design
Fiber arts, a favorite of third graders, took up much of the fall for those who chose to make a one-sided or two-sided weaving.
A group of fifth grade boys is engaged in making a soccer stadium. After the field was completed, they started working on the stands. Next came the fans, dressed Barcelona-style. When I recommended that they wrap up their work by the end of the month, they were very disappointed. Given the opportunity to argue for more time, the boys adamantly described their ideas, process and interest in extending their work to bring their project to completion. Request granted!
Students explore fashion design through color and patterns
Second grade girls are interested in fashion design. Using a template, they are designing clothing with markers and patterned paper. Their designs are kept in folders. Soon each will have a collection of designs to share.
Some of the fourth graders are painting murals for the new library. They created plans and then drew their ideas with chalk onto large panels. As they work, they have revised their plans to improve their composition. We hope the murals will be on display soon in the library!
Fourth graders paint a large mural for the library
Self-Directed Art 
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