Getting to Know The Worlds Greatest Artists: Integrating Literacy in to the Art Classroom

Reading response incorporates comprehension AND writing — a double whammy in the Art Classroom!

I love the opportunity to include art history in my teaching - utilizing a marvelous, easy to read series written and illustrated by author Mike Venezia, Getting to Know the World's Famous Artists.

Alimacani Elementary 4th & 5th Grade students enjoyed this delightful mix of full-color historical reproductions, photos and illustrations that bring to life the works of renown artists. 

Each student selected an artist and after reading the book, completed a written response based on what they learned.  I was so thrilled with their positive comments and many asked if we could do it again so they could learn about another artist.

Integrating Literacy in Art: The Color Monster

First graders at Alimacani Elementary learned about the emotions of color as we read the most entertaining pop-up book by author Anna Llenas, The Color Monster.

 After a lively conversation about the feelings featured in the book, students recreated their own versions of the color monster in a variety of emotions. 

Studying Science Through Art

In science class, second grade students learn humans continue to explore the interactions among water, air, and land. Air and water are in constant motion that results in changing conditions that can be observed over time.  Because they are learning to identify common weather patterns associated with each season, 2nd graders will create a fall landscape this month in art class using both collage and painting techniques. They learned how to create depth in their art by overlapping and by placing smaller objects in the background and larger in the foreground. 

 

After a classroom discussion about the changes we see in leaf colors in the fall and how animals get ready for cold weather, they drew animals that were preparing to hibernate or migrate.  They drew the animals using shapes they already knew.

 

Fifth Graders Learn Science Through Art

Alimacani fifth graders used their observational skills to draw shells from the shores of Florida.  Students studied each shell, compared the textures and imagined how they served as homes to the many sea creatures found off our coast.  In fifth grade science classes they learn to observe plants and animals and recognize how they are alike in the way they look. 

Science Integration in Art Class

Arts & Science is the theme this month as art students at Alimacani practice their skills of observation by drawing creatures of nature.  

Forth graders reviewed the parts of insects learned in prior grades allowing them to sketch  anatomically correct insects in a pleasing composition. Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes, but also in its questions and explanations.

Alimacani Art Class Update: 3rd Grade Tutti-Fruity Still Life Paintings

Alimacani 3rd graders are studying still life paintings this month.  They learned about still life paintings from famous artists around the world then put their creative minds to work. 

They showed their knowledge of adding depth to their art by overlapping.