1st Grade: Matroyshka Dolls

Matroyshka, also known as Russian Nesting Dolls, are toy the originated from Russia. The original design of the toy was a mother and her six children. The word "matroyshka" translates as mother or matron. Students created their own Russian nesting dolls using their own families. This was so much fun because the students loved to talk about their families and I loved learning about them. Students had to use atleast one pattern in the clothing of each person. The backgrounds were made using water color paints and salt. 

8th Grade: Environmental Awareness Posters

8th Grade and I took a look at posters form WWII. We discussed the purpose of these posters to create propaganda and encourage people to join the war, save materials for the war, grow gardens, keep war information private, make the enemies appear extremely scary, etc.

We then talked about today problems and what we see posters to encourage everyone's help and efforts with. To take care of our planet! We discussed different environmental issues such as trash in our oceans, saving on energy, global warming, deforestation, and the list goes on! Students were encouraged to focus on a topic they felt more strongly about. Students had to do research on their topic because how can we argue a point or work to encourage people on something we know nothing about!

Students could either create a parody of a WWII poster or come up with a new design. the purpose of these posters were to be similar to WWII posters but to encourage people about ways they could help the environment.

6th Grade: Huichol Yarn Art

7th Grade: Paper Mache Fish

5th Grade: Clay Bee Hives

Clay coils have been used for centuries to create coil pots. When done properly they can be put together to create a strong form. A coil is a rolled out piece of clay, like a snake. When attached to another coil, they must be scored a slipped for proper attachment. These clay beehives were made using those techniques.

4th Grade: Aboriginal Dot Art