Blackout Poetry

Found Poetry, Post 1

 

5th grade awesomeness

 

If I weren't an art teacher, I would have majored in English.  And, honestly, I probably would have taught.

 

So I love to include writing in art!  I discovered book page poetry (found poetry, blackout poetry) with this video by Miriam Poternastor. 

 

 

MY.STUDENTS.LOVED.IT

 

Last year, I left the project very open-ended.  I feel that the students had a difficult time using Miriam's method.  They couldn't find the words, they wanted the words to match the image, it was just hard!  This year, I chose to practice with the idea first.  We started with Blackout Poetry (just focusing on the words).  Here are two from that day. 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last year, we spent less time on these but I found a unit from Teachers Pay Teachers that is all about Found Poetry and images.  I'm going to finish the unit (it should take 2-3 more class periods) with that, and in my second post I'll link it all up for you.  I can't wait to see what the students create!
 



Repeat Pattern Stacks

I like to start the year off with short, fun, and creative projects.  Something to get our feet wet without diving into the deep end.  Repeat pattern stacks are a great way to do this!  I stumbled across these at www.rainbowelephant.com.  She has a video that shows students the step-by-step process, as well as printable handouts.  I also have a pattern handout I use to inspire more complex patterns.  We discussed unity and variety, and how pattern creates movement in art while making these.  I got some VERY creative designs this year!  

  

More Birds

More Birds

I actually teach at two schools and tend to try out the same projects in different ways.  I love these birds, too.  We drew them on white paper and painted them using tempera cakes.  I did this with 3rd and 5th grade - two of these are third graders artworks....wow!  Good luck guessing which ones.  I teach the MOST talented kiddos.

This student actually used chalk

BIRDS

In an effort to do projects that are less cookie-cutter, I have been working on giving students more choice in their art.  So this project came about because there are SO MANY BIRDS circulating on pinterest.  I printed out all the "how-to" drawing pages plus posted a ton of bird images on my smartboard screen to inspire the kids.  They were allowed to choose one bird to draw -  emphasis on one bird, drawn well, with plenty of details.  Then they got to choose their paper size - 9x12, 12x18, or 12x15.  They drew their birds in pencil, traced them in glue, then colored with chalk.  I laminated them.  NEXT year I will buy some extra Elmers Gel Glue - they made the most aaaaamazing shiny lines.  I had 4 bottles sitting around that some of them used.  I bet you can tell which ones!

Group of birds (already laminated, excuse the glare)

Gel glue

Normal glue, but still beautiful

Gel glue

Normal glue (you see what I mean)