Graphic Design: Words as Negative Space

Students in second grade created a theme for their mixed-media drawings and incorporated writing about their theme into the background of the picture as an integral part of the design.  Words do not always have to be in front, as we discovered!  They can become lines and shapes too!

by Hannah

by Elle

Global Cinderella

First grade students in Ms. Sprader's class self-organized in groups based on which version of a Cinderella-like story they would like to read.  Students were amazed to hear that there are hundreds of versions of this famous tale all around the world. 

In order to map out similarities and differences between Disney's Cinderella and the book the group read, groups completed a comparing and contrasting chart.  Once their chart was complete, students collaboratively illustrated the most important part of their story and shared their insights with other groups.

collaborative illustration of Yeh-Shen by Joelle, Kaeley and Rylee

Fractions are Everywhere!

1st Grade artists connected math with art when they created designs from fraction pieces they cut themselves.  Students practiced making and writing fractions that represented 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8. 

To make lifelike backgrounds, students learned how to blend chalk pastels smoothly or use various line types to add texture.



The Spring Field by Clarissa



How can art show emotion?

After viewing the life-size plaster sculptures of George Segal, fourth grade artists were given the task of making a plaster sculpture that captured a human emotion.  Students created show cards to display their writing alongside their artwork, and this writing explained how the artist used visual clues to portray their chosen emotion.

by Ethan

Klimt Trees of Life



Recycling Tree by Anan



Second grade artists studied the meaning of the tree of life symbol and how it relates to a symbol of a leaning tree that we have at STEM.  One student remarked,

"I think it means that we are learning in a new way at STEM."

  After viewing Gustav Klimt's Tree of Life painting as inspiration, students created their own tree symbol to send a message of how to take care of our Earth.