Friday Art Feature - with an Earth Day Twist

20 April 2012
It's been a bit since I've done a Friday Art Feature.  Two reasons:  1)  I LOVED my Kandinsky trees so much I can't bear to take them down yet, and  2)  I'm feeling the pressure of testing looming (even though it's more than a month away), and I'm trying to squeeze in as much review as possible.

I wanted to focus on Earth Day at school today, so I thought I'd try to squeeze in a quick art project.  And since I was planning on putting these up on a different bulletin board, I could still leave my Kandinsky trees up - they just make me happy.




Isn't this collage of Earth stunning???  My friend, Tracie, had pinned an image similar to this from Artsonia.  As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to do this project as part of our Earth Day activities.  We recycled old National Geographic magazines for this project (LOVE how vibrant the pictures are in National Geographic - absolutely perfect for this activity).

I gave each student an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of white paper (recycled paper, of course) with a picture of the Earth on it.  Each student also got one recycled magazine.  I instructed the students tear pieces of coloured images to make their collages - green or brown for the land, blue for the water, and a dark colour for the space around.  It was a quick and easy project - only took between 30 and 45 minutes - and the finished products are beautiful!  (I think I might like these as much as the Kandinsky trees ... maybe).


We also did our Earth Day Report Cards today (did you grab your free copy yet?).  I gave the students the choice between the school or the classroom report cards.  I did get a good balance of the two.  The students really enjoyed interviewing the principal, secretary, and custodian to find some of the answers for questions asked.  I am happy to report my classroom and school scored quite well, according to the students.  I LOVED the suggestions they came up with (garbage monitor in the lunch room, ban the electric pencil sharpeners [I SO agree with this one], no homework to save paper [not so sure I agree with this one ... but totally expected it ;)]).  I sent the students home with the home version of the report card (so much for no homework), for the them to do with their parents on the 22nd.

Just before I left for the day I put the finishing touches on our Earth Day bulletin board.  A few days ago I saw this door on Pinterest (can't find a blog to credit it to), and thought it was brilliant!!!  I knew the phrase "The Earth without 'art' is just ... 'eh'", would be perfect.  And I was right - LOVE how our bulletin board turned out.  Our school is actually recognizing Earth Day all next week, but the early bird gets the worm ... wait ... a worm ... how can that be a good thing??  ;)


















How are you celebrating Earth Day at your school?

Happy Friday!!!  (what a crazy long week ... thought I wasn't going to make it for a while).

24 comments

  1. Love it!!! Have you heard of the artist Romare Bearden?? This collage work really reminds me of his style. He was also a collage artist during the Jazz era. Your kids work is amazing, and I TRULY find it inspiring that you make time for art in the classroom. Great JOB!!!

    Leslie

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    1. Thanks, Leslie! I haven't heard of Romare Bearden ... but you can bet I'm going to check him out now. Integrating visual arts has been a necessity this year in my class - I have a very busy and high needs class, and any art activities just seem to bring a calmness to the class - wish I could do a lot more!

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    2. your bulletin board looks fantastic! you know you are totally right I find that doing art has calmed down my high needs class as well. I had them doing cartoons and then writing stories to go with it. great idea. thanks for sharing. mary at apopovic@primus.ca ps my collegue is in amazement that you have time to do such a great blog and have time to respond to everyone as well as being a busy mom. i just said it is what great teachers do. keep up the great work!!

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    3. awww ... shucks! You are TOO sweet, Mary!

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    4. thanks jen, look forward to more great blog entries. mary at apopovic@primus.ca

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  2. Already had downloaded the Earth Day report cards...thank you! I love this extension.
    Jenifer

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  3. Your students' art is amazing! Great idea!
    Sandi
    Literacy Minute

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    1. Thanks, Sandi! Some of them turned out so well! LOVE them!

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  4. I love, love, love your board!!!!

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I was pretty happy with it, too. This board is just outside my classroom - right in the nutrition area where the older grades eat their lunches. I always try to do something special on this board.

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    1. Thanks, Tamara! I bet your son would have fun with this one! ;)

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  6. The Earth Day collages are AMAZING!!! So love them!!!

    4th Grade Frolics

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  7. What a great post...thanks for always sharing your amazing ideas and talent! I L*O*V*E the Earth collages!
    Shawna
    The Picture Book Teacher's Edition

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    1. Thank-you so much, Shawna! I LOVE how they turned out, too!

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  8. Love this! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Perfect Project! I've switched from 1st to 4th this year and it's been a bit of a challenge 'kicking it up a notch'. Finding your blog has helped me so so much and I'm so excited! I can't wait to put together some of these this summer and be ready for next year!
    Thank you..thank you..thank you!!!

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  10. These are wonderful! where did you get the earth template? All the ones I have found are too detailed.

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  11. I love this idea. I want to do this for Earth Day this year. Where did you get the template? I can't find one that works.

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