MINI MONET with Susan & Ellen

As a group, we have been exploring the question; what is art? We have looked at art during the first half of classes in many ways. Keeping in mind that the process of creating art is always more important to your child than the end product, we and the children jumped into learning about basic art techniques through the eyes and hands of early man, including the Native American. We combined ancient traditions like using natural dyes from nature to paint with, followed with the more modern approach of reading Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh and dipping paper (!) mice in liquid watercolors, to discover the rainbow of colors around us.
The more we worked and looked, the more we began to see that art is all around us and can be anything we create. A favorite project of the group sprang from a discussion of the book Cave Boy. Cave Boy tried to make something never seen before out of a rock. Our class decided to make a classroom chair into something never seen before. We excitedly covered it with tape and torn pieces of paper creating "stink bug the chair". The kids ask about stink bug every class and are filled with pride that stink bug is on display in Carol's office.
Do you know what is the best part about making beads with young children? Not only do they love using the clay-like materials, they also absolutely love sitting with each other schmoozing about their art. Here is one brief glimpse of the chit chat we overheard: "Isn't your necklace a little long?" Or "I love the colors you used, I want to do that too!" And best of all, "I'm going to give this to my sister!"
As our final project for this unit we made dreamcatchers, which stop the bad dreams in the weavings and let the good dreams through. Dreams are frightening to Native Americans as well as children. The group practiced their fine motor skills sewing their projects as they discussed dreams. Who knew that some of your children declared they have no dreams at all, while others only have good dreams!

In the remaining weeks to come, we will explore Egypt, the Renaissance, Impressionists and Modern Art; an ambitious undertaking, but definitely fun-filled.

-Susan & Ellen