Color Dictionary 

Do Now: Draw a necktie and design a pattern on it. 

For our last class in the "Introduction to Art" unit, the 1st and 2nd graders made color dictionaries. 

The dictionaries include all the color groups we have learned so far: primary colors, secondary colors, warm colors, cool colors, and complementary colors.

Primary Colors 

                              Secondary Colors

Warm colors

Cool colors

Complementary colors 

After recording all the color groups, students had to draw a picture using the colors from only one of the groups. 

While students worked, our 7th grade volunteer read Alice and Greta's Color Magic by Steven J. Simmons. Afterwards, students made Simmons-inspired drawings where all the colors were scrambled!

What Did You Learn the First Week of School?

Over the weekend I had a chance to watch this great video from the Harlem Academy Facebook Page.

Primary colors get a shout out!

What Students Say - What did you learn the first week of school? from Harlem Academy on Vimeo.

Color Dictionary 

Do Now: What would you like to be when you grow up? Draw a picture and write one sentence.

Pediatric Neurosurgeon

Computer Scientist

Professional Tennis Player in the US Open

A fashion Designer

In the WNBA

A Doctor or a Dentist

A Veterinarian 

A Homeschool Teacher and a Mom

President of the U.S.A.

To finish up our color theory unit, the 3rd and 4th graders made their own color dictionaries. The dictionaries highlighted the 5 color groups that we have learned about so far: primary colors, secondary colors, warm colors, cool colors, and complementary colors. 

Some students finished their color dictionaries, while others made 'color group drawings', or free style drawings made using the colors from one of the color groups. 

warm color drawing (red, yellow, orange and pink)

complementary color pair drawing (blue and orange)

cool color drawing (blues and greens)

Model Magic Color Wheel 

Do Now:complete the sentence "Art is important because..."

"Art is important because if there was no art there might would not be any pencils and we need pencils"

"Art's important because it helps you express yourself." 

"Art is important because the world will be boring."

After reviewing the primary colors, the 1st and 2nd grade were introduced to secondary colors. We read Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh, and reviewed which colors are made when primary colors mix together. 

Next, we made color wheels! Rather than just coloring in each section, the 1st and 2nd graders received 3 balls of Model Magic clay, 1 red, 1 yellow, and 1 blue. First we took a pinch of each color and put it in the correct section of the color wheel. Next, we mixed together a punch of red and a pinch of yellow. The class was noticeably thrilled as their balls of clay turned into orange! 

We continued mixing together our remaining primary colors to make secondary colors. 

Students were able to chose their color ratios. Some put more yellow and less blue to make a bright green, while others added less red and more blue for a deep purple. The result was a beautiful and diverse array of colors! 

 Students were able to mix together any remaining clay (to make brown) and place it in the middle. 

When class was over, some students did not want to leave...

The Color Wheel

For their 2nd art class, the 3rd and 4th graders had their first daily prompt (called a "Do Now") and learned about the color wheel. 

The prompt had 2 parts. 

1)My goal for art this year is...

2)Art is important because...

We learned about two color groups: 

Primary colors: Red,Yellow and Blue 

Secondary colors:Orange, Green and Purple

Students then had a chance to make their own color wheel, and learn about the placement of each color on the color wheel. If you forget what red and yellow make, check your color wheel and find which color is between red and yellow!