Simplify Tempera Paint

In my blog browsing recently, many bloggers have mentioned how they prefer tempera cakes over the liquid form. I've used the cakes before but MUCH prefer to use the liquid - here's why...

For me, liquid tempera provides a more visceral experience during direct painting projects. Pushing around the thick paint has a very different 'feel' than paint in solid form with water added.

In most cases, I prefer my students mix colors directly on the paper so they get all the nuances between mixed hues. In a current 2nd grade project based on George Rodrique's Blue Dog, my kids are mixing warm colors for the background to contrast with the cool colors of the dog.

I've developed a storage routine that minimizes waste while saving time.

I prefer to use clear plastic trays that were donated to my room (but I've also used soda/pop cardboard trays or copy paper box lids) along with small plastic cups purchased at Costco.

Trays are set up before class with brushes, paint cups and water containers.

After class, paint cups are put into one tray and are 'refreshed' - messy/mixed up cups are cleaned (lay a piece of dry paper towel on surface and lift off) and more paint added to be ready for the next time we paint.

Next - a plastic bag. I have 2 boxes of these T-bags I got for free at Treasures 4 Teachers last fall - but any plastic bag will work...

Put the tray in the bag and fold the extra under. I store the bagged trays in my project drawers between classes.

The paints will stay moist for a l-o-n-g time - when we returned from Christmas break, paints were still good to go! Sometimes I will spritz a light mist of water with my spray bottle before wrapping up the bag...

What tricks do you use to stretch your materials?

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...