In their homeroom classes, the First Graders are studying the rights and responsibilities of people and living things — looking at how people have an impact on the environment. With Ms. Robidoux and Ms. Saito the students are discussing and considering our natural environment as well as the impact of the choices people make on that environment. And so in art class we have learned about sculpting and drawing living things (animals, insects, fish, birds, and so on) so as to transform to our upstairs hallway outside the classrooms. The first grade students are now embarking on the creation of large, three-dimensional paper sculptures of their favorite living creatures, and it is these sculptures — these treasures — which will fill the hallway.
The following video shows the process the 1st graders — and all ES students — use to become proficient at drawing what they see. Limited to 10 minutes, the video is a basic overview and does not cover all the finer points of observational drawing. Students who are practicing at home with this 3-step drawing process are encouraged to bring their drawing to Mr. Reed for discussion, suggestions, and “next step” ideas!
We’ve also read the book The Butterfly’s Treasure (by Schim Schimmel), observing the realistic illustrations and following the old monarch butterfly’s journey around the world as he discovers a particular treasure that exists here on earth. The students have had a variety of reactions to what the butterfly saw on his flight to different parts of the earth. We also had an opportunity to look at photographs of various living things and of the environments that they live in, and the students had the chance to observe and comment on how human beings can affect the natural environment and why they do so.
Currently, the students are in the process of turning their large 2-dimensional drawings into 3-dimensional sculptures of each student’s favorite creature — using pencils, paper, paint, newspaper, and staples. Over these weeks the young Grade 1 artists have been learning to express their opinions about art and to engage with and to enjoy a variety of visual art experiences. Soon, we will turn the 1st grade hallway into our imaginary natural environment, filled with “treasures”: animals, fish, bird, and insects. The students hope you will then come visit and see these treasures.