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 marks the 3rd and 4th grade's last day studying Yayoi Kusama.
To start class, we watched a short video about an exhibit Kusama had at the Tate Modern in London, England called "The Obliteration Room"
We really enjoyed this exhibit, because while it still looked like Kusama's art, she invited other people to help her create that art. After students finished their paintings, they used colored pencils to decorate their own white rooms.
Monday, March 3, 2014
South America: Peru
Do Now: Draw your favorite circus act. If you've never been to the circus, make one up!
As the end of the trimester draws near, the 1st and 2nd grade moved on to learning about their second to last continent - South America!
More specifically, we will spend the next two classes learning about Peru, a country known from its yarn and weaving.
Then we looked at some photos of Peruvian weaving - one student made a wonderful connection, comparing it to the Ghanian Kente Cloth we learned about last week.
Next we watched a short video that showed how the different yarns are colored using natural dyes. (You can look at the step-by-step process here )
Finally, the 1st and 2nd graders had an opportunity to try their own hand at weaving! After talking about the over under over under technique, each student received a 'loom' made out of a small paper plate, and began to weave!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Women Artists: Yayoi Kusama
Do Now: If you had to redesign the US flag, what would it look like? Why?
Today we continued to work on our Yayoi Kusama - inspired pattern paintings.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Africa:Ghana
Do Now: If you had to redesign the US flag, what would it look like? Why?
Today the 1st and 2nd grade had a very special treat: a visit from Mrs. Boahene, parent of a Harlem Academy student, to teach us about Ghana.
Though most people in Ghana speak English and French, many speak other dialects. Mrs. Boahene told us that "Akwaaba" means, "welcome"
We learned about the climate, the different regions of Ghana, and the school system.
She showed us a beautiful poster she made, complete with photos and descriptions of various sights in Ghana.
Mrs. Boahene also talked about kente cloth, describing the importance of colors and patterns. She even brought in two types of kente cloth!
One was mass produced, and the patterns were stamped on to the fabric after it was woven.
The other type of kente cloth Mrs. Boahene brought in was hand-woven. The fabric was much softer and heavier, and was sewn into a women's shirt.
After some questions, we listened to a story about Anansi the spider. In West African culture, Anansi is a trickster and storyteller.
Next, Mrs. Boahene showed us a video clip of a festival with traditional Ghanian dance.
We all learned so much, and had a wonderful time listening to Mrs. Boahene. Be sure to check out more photos on Harlem Academy's Facebook Page
Thank you Mrs. Boahene!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Women Artists: Yayoi Kusama
Do Now: Draw your favorite circus act. If you've never been to the circus, make up an act!
Today the 3rd and 4th graders continued their study of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
We watched a short youtube clip called "Yayoi Kusama: Princess of Polka Dots"
Then, we continued to work on our patterns. We spent a lot of time figuring out the difference between a pattern and a design - while both are beautiful, a pattern does not have a 'starting' point. Once the colored pencil sketches of patterns were finished, students began to paint large scale versions of their patterns.
