Introduction to Food 

Do Now: Invent a type of food. It could be a fruit or vegetable, a meal or dessert. Draw it and describe it.

Today marked the first day of the spring trimester, and the 1st and 2nd grade started a new unit: food! 

We started off class by listing our favorite types of food. Though most students listed something different, there was some overlap. 

We finished off class with a simple project to get in the food mood - draw your favorite food! 

World Art Show

Tonight, the 1st and 2nd graders hosted their World Art Show. It was amazing! Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support the students. 

Guests arrived between 5pm - 6pm, and were treated to an individual tour around the world by their student. There are a few photos from the event below, but be sure to check here on Harlem Academy's Facebook page for more photos. 

World Art: Minnie Evans 

For their last project in the women artists unit, the 3rd and 4th graders made their own art in the style of Minnie Evans. 

They used pencil to sketch a symmetrical design on a paper bag, then colored in their image with bright crayons. 

Be sure to check them out in the 3rd and 4th grade art show, Thursday, April 10th. 

World Art: Antarctica 

Today the 1st and 2nd grade finished their last country study - Antarctica. We discussed climate (cold!), inhabitants (none!) and wildlife (penguins, polar bears, and more!) 

Students made snow globes out of the baby food jars they worked hard to collect the past few weeks. 

While we worked, we watched part of a national geographic documentary about Antarctica, enjoying the beautiful scenery and chilly landscape. 

For the snow globes we used glitter, beads, sequins and water. I used a glue gun to secure the tops, then we got to enjoy the beautiful glitter! 

Don't forget to join us for the World Art Show tomorrow night! 

Women Artists: Minnie Evans 

Today, the 3rd and 4th graders continued their study of Minnie Evans. 

In preparation for their final project this Thursday, students had the opportunity to make their own symmetrical designs on pieces of paper. 

They will use these designs on Thursday!

World Art: Preparing for the show!

Today the 1st and 2nd graders worked to prepare for the upcoming art show. 

Each student received a worksheet about everything we've learned and had to fill in the missing information.

They will use this worksheet to give their friends and family a tour of the exhibit on Thursday!

Women Artists: Minnie Evans

Do Now: Draw one of your most recent dreams. What happened in your dream? Write a sentence to explain.

Today the 3rd and 4th grade began to learn about the last female artist of the trimester, Minnie Evans. Evans is an African-American artist from North Carolina who lived from 1892 - 1987. She did not begin to make art until she was 43, when she says a vision came to her and said, "Why don't you draw or die?" She made her first drawing on the scraps of a paper bag. 

Minnie's art is very symmetrical, detailed, and colorful. She often draws pictures of angles and other religious symbols.

After looking at print outs of Minnie Evans' art, we watched a short video clip of Minnie talking about her work.

Because Minnie's work is very detailed and complicated, the 3rd and 4th graders spent some time coloring in some copies of her art work today. We will continue with her next week!

South America: Peru 

Do Now: There is a saying that goes, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb." What do you think that means? Draw the saying and write your answer.

Today we continued our study of Peru. The 1st and 2nd graders worked hard to fill up their plate looms with yarn, then made a colorful decoration in the center of the plate. 

While we worked, we listened to traditional Peruvian music. You can find some great Peruvian music on this youtube channel. 

Check out the finished products!