Texture Rubbings

My first graders have started crayon texture rubbings and are thrilled with their work so far...

Instruction began with a discussion of the differences between visual texture -
the patterns you see on the laminated 'wood' texture of our tables
the patterns you see on the ceiling tiles
the patterns you see on the sole of your shoe

and tactile textures - how something feels on your fingertips, like
your hair
your clothing
the sole of your shoe

Then we move to the demo table for a demonstration on using tactile textures of a variety of materials to create visual textures.

They use construction paper crayons on different colors of construction paper cut to 3"x 4 1/2"size. Each student is instructed to use 2 textures and 2 colors on 6 different papers.

We'll use these papers later to assemble a collage creating an imaginary animal in its environment in the weeks to come...stay tuned for pictures of completed artwork at the end of the month...

"Thumbs on Top"

We are finishing up paintings and prints these days so a lot of wet media is 'walking' around the room during class. I have a saying that I use to remind the students to hang on to their work: "Thumbs on top!"

I demonstrate all the terrible things that can happen when they DON"T hold onto their work...

work can end upside down on the floor...

work can end up pressed on your shirt (happened just last week)...

work can end up on your neighbor...

Then I demonstrate how none of that happens when you have your thumbs on top of your work as you carry it to the drying rack...

I was thinking of putting it to music - like "Pants on the Ground" made famous on American Idol last season...

Thumbs on the top
Thumbs on the top
Work can't fall
If you have
Thumbs on the top!

Hmm...maybe I can moonlight as a songwriter!