5th & 6th Grade - 3D Cubes in Tints!

3D Cubes in Tints

My students LOVE this lesson. Even though they are all making the same thing, they all end up different. I gave them the freedom to choose colors.  Here is the template I created and how we used it to draw and label the cubes.

Each table is set up with a color group. Red to orange, yellow to golden yellow, yellow green to deep green, blue greens to blue, cobalt blue to violet, magentas to red. Plus, each try has a white to mix tints. Then black and white and browns are offered at a counter space. I have students use styrofoam mixing trays at each table per color group, they mix lights to darks on the trays. 

6th Grade Positive & Negative Shapes!

This is a lesson many teachers have taught for a few decades. My mother taught this lesson to me when I was young, it was fun to make a basic illusion with positive and negative cut shapes! This version in black and white can be eye catching, simple. And then adding a pop of color is fun too!

We start with the smallest 4x4 black square, cut a shape on each side, then glue the "scrap" to a 8x8 white paper. Plug in the puzzle pieces... Put a little glue on the back, flip out, lining up the edges perfectly with the scrap. 

Repeat... cut 2 shapes on each side of the 8x8 white. Glue the 8x8 onto a black 12x12. You see where I am going???

Finally, last step! Cut 3 shapes from each side of the black 12x12.  Glue to the 16x16 white final sheet! Finish gluing the flip shapes... DONE! 

Add a pop of color by creating some interesting positive and negative shapes... Matisse style or make something up! Have fun! 

6th Grade - Needle Felting

Did you ever have a lesson you taught a handful of times until you mastered it? I finally have mastered teaching needle felting to my 6th graders. Here is my favorite way, which results in very high level finished works...

 I encourage natural subjects, animals are the best, but then simple landscapes.  However, I can be talked into any subject if a student draws something that will translate well in wool. Not everything works... small details and tiny drawings do not work. 

First, I have students draw their ideas on a 8x8 square, the same size wool felt we will felt.  I always provide artists to be inspired by. This time, students views many works of Melanie Mikecz and Clare Youngs. Both excellent illustrators of animals. The next few pictures are my colorful zebra that I created inspired by Melanie Mikecz.

I should mention my wool supplier... she's the BEST! Sue Bunch from 

Back to Back Fiber ! It is the best wool and Sue is so wonderful to work with! You can find their kits and materials in the Nasco Catalog.

After the drawing is approved by me, mostly to verify that it will translate well in wool, students outline with black Sharpie marker.

Once traced, students lay on top of the drawing their piece of wool felt. It is easy to see the drawing through the thin felt. Students trace with Sharpie on to the wool felt.

Next, students start to needle felt the drawing with black roving. You could use black wool yarn, but I must say... I prefer the roving.  If the roving is thick, I show students how to divide it into thin sections, about the thickness of a piece of yarn. 

Then work your way around the whole design, outlining with the black wool roving.

Once finished, make a color plan! When students start filling in with the colored roving, stress thin pieces.  I always show students how my hand is able to be seen through the roving, such a thin piece it is transparent. 

Some students will need to fill in the whole background, some will not.  They can get a little roving heavy.  I will go by and pull some off it it looks a little too thick. But I don't catch everyone! :)

Here are some GREAT works by my students!!!