Welcome back to 1st Grade Art! As we begin Semester 2, we will continue learning about the Elements of Art while exploring new and fun materials and techniques for creating art. Get ready to build, experiment, and use your imagination as we continue our artistic journey together!

Spring Rotation Schedule (By Advocacy):

• Hamilton (February 9^th – March 11^th)
• Koenig (March 30^th – April 24^th)

Spring Semester Curriculum:

• Project 1: Clay Teddy Bears
  • In this project, students create three-dimensional teddy bears using clay while learning basic hand-building techniques such as rolling, pinching, and joining. Students focus on forming simple shapes and adding details to give their teddy bears personality and expression. This hands-on process encourages creativity, fine motor development, and imaginative play.
  • This project aligns with the National Visual Arts standards for 1^st grade, including:
    • VA:Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create art that represents ideas or characters.
    • VA:Cr2.1.1 – Explore and use materials and tools to create works of art.
    • VA:Re7.1.1 – Identify subject matter and share ideas about what is seen in artwork.
  • Through this clay project, students build confidence in working three-dimensionally while expressing creativity through a familiar and beloved form
• Project 2: Color Hearts
  • In this project, students create abstract heart paintings inspired by the expressive style of artist Jim Dine. Using bold brushstrokes, layered colors, and imaginative marks, students explore how a familiar symbol can be transformed through personal expression.
  • This project aligns with the National Visual Arts standards for 1^st grade, including:
    • VA:Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create art that represents ideas and feelings.
    • VA:Cr2.1.1 – Explore a variety of materials and tools to create works of art.
    • VA:Re7.1.1 – Describe what they see in a work of art and share their ideas
  • Through this project, students build confidence with painting techniques while learning that art can express emotions in many colorful and creative ways.
• Project 3: Still Life
  • In this project, students create still life drawings inspired by the detailed nature studies of John James Audubon. By closely observing natural objects, such as feathers, leaves, or branches, students focus on showing texture through lines, patterns, and careful mark-making.
  • This project aligns with the National Visual Arts standards for 1^st grade, including:
    • VA:Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create artwork
    • VA:Cr2.1.1 – Explore a variety of tools and materials to make art
    • VA:Re7.1.1 – Identify and describe visual characteristics of artworks
  • Through this still life drawing experience, students strengthen observation skills and learn how artists use texture to make drawings come alive
• Project 4: Jackson Pollock Movement Paintings
  • In this project, students create abstract paintings inspired by Jackson Pollock’s action painting style, focusing on expressive color and line. Using movement, dripping, splattering, and gestural marks, students explore how lines can show energy and emotion while experimenting with bold color choices.
  • This project aligns with the National Visual Arts standards for 1^st grade, including:
    • VA:Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create works of art
    • VA:Cr2.1.1 – Explore materials and tools to create art in a safe and responsible way
    • VA:Re7.1.1 – Identify and describe elements of art, such as color and line
  • Through this project, students gain confidence in creative risk-taking and discover how art can capture movement, feeling, and individuality.

Welcome to 1st Grade Art! This year, students will explore their creativity through drawing, painting, cutting, and building. They'll learn about colors, shapes, lines, and patterns while using their imagination to create fun and expressive artwork. Our focus will be on developing fine motor skills, trying new materials, and building confidence as young artists in a joyful and supportive environment.

Fall Rotation Schedule (By Advocacy):

• Hamilton (September 1^st – October 3^rd)
• Koenig (October 20^th – November 14^th)

Fall Semester Curriculum:

• Project 1: Miro Line Drawings
  • In this playful project, students explore line, shape, and imagination through abstract drawings inspired by artist Joan Miró. Using a variety of lines—curved, straight, zigzag, and looping—students create whimsical compositions filled with movement and creativity.
  • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
    • VA: Cr1.1.1 – Engage in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
    • VA: Cr2.1.1 – Use a variety of lines, shapes, and colors to express ideas.
    • VA: Re7.1.1 – Identify and describe subject matter in art.
  • Through this activity, students learn how simple lines can become expressive and meaningful, building the foundation for creative thinking and visual storytelling.
• Project 2: Still Life
  • In this project, students create still life drawings inspired by the detailed nature studies of artist and naturalist John James Audubon. Focusing on birds and natural objects, students practice careful observation and add color, texture, and background to bring their scenes to life.
  • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
    • VA: Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create art based on the world around them.
    • VA: Cr2.1.1 – Explore materials and tools to create works of art.
    • VA: Re7.2.1 – Identify and describe the subject matter in art.
  • By drawing from nature, students build fine motor skills, attention to detail, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.
• Project 3: Yali Ziv Portraits
  • In this project, students create expressive self-portrait paintings inspired by the playful and colorful style of artist Yali Ziv. Using bold shapes, bright colors, and imaginative details, students explore how to represent themselves through art.
  • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
    • VA: Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create art that represents self or stories.
    • VA: Cr2.1.1 – Explore materials and tools to create works of art.
    • VA: Cn10.1.1 – Create art that tells a story about a person or place.
  • Through this project, students celebrate their identity while learning foundational painting skills and the joy of self-expression.
• Project 4: Mary Blair Castles
  • Inspired by the whimsical style of artist and Disney illustrator Mary Blair, students create vibrant cut paper collages using bold shapes, bright colors, and playful compositions. They learn to layer paper, arrange elements thoughtfully, and express imaginative ideas through simple forms.
  • This project aligns with Art Standards, including:
    • VA: Cr1.2.1 – Use observation and imagination to create art.
    • VA: Cr2.1.1 – Explore materials and tools to create works of art or design.
    • VA: Cn10.1.1 – Create art that tells a story about a life experience.
  • Through this activity, students develop fine motor skills, explore storytelling through imagery, and build confidence in creative decision-making.