1st Grade: Angel Collage

Last year I had 1st grade create watercolor resist angels just like this. However, I do so many watercolor resist projects I decided to change up the medium.

Materials:

• 2 - 12x18 white paper
• Black Crayon
• Tempera paint
• Pencil

1. I had the first graders draw with me step-by-step. I gave them a few options on drawing the facial features and I let them choose what their hair will look like.

2. Paint with tempera paints. We talked about tints and mixing white with a color to create a tint. Make sure they do not paint over the crayon line too much. If they do you can retrace.

3. With blue tempera, completely paint the second sheet of paper.

4. Dip and lightly tap with the tip of the brush to create stars.

5. Cut, cut, cut. Oops! I forgot wings. No problem. It’s an easy fix.

6. Glue and DONE!

Here are some finished angels that the students made. I changed my mind and decided to let the kids color their angels with crayon.

2nd Grade: Monster Collage

First, I have to give credit to Deep Space Sparkle for such a great project idea. I could not resist doing this project last year and the kids loved it. I decided to change it a up a little to make it my own. I hope you enjoy.

The first thing I start with is reading the book Where the Wild Things Are. The project is based on the illustrations, focusing on line, pattern and texture. When the students draw their monsters I expect them to use line, pattern and texture just like the book.
Next, I show them how to draw the body of the monster using basic shapes. I also show them an easy way to draw arms, legs and claws. I have put a step-by-step example of how to draw a monster below. I do make sure to explain to the kids that this is about being creative and they do not have to draw their monster exactly like mine. The last step to drawing the monster is pattern and texture with lines and shapes.

Paint with water colors. I suggest bright colors to complement the crayon colors.

Forest background. Using crayons I show the students how to draw the forest. We talk about the horizon line, the importance of overlapping, and that objects that are further back in space get smaller, object that are close are larger.


Paint with blues and greens.

Cut out the monster.

Paste to background. The kids really like this project and love drawing different kinds of monsters. Here are some examples from last year. I decided to add the background in this year.