Artful Thanks
This is your monthly “Spark” newsletter for all things arts integration. At Partner Learning we believe in art being at the core of learning and we know this requires the support of a collaborative partner. This November we are highlighting some arts integration projects that are centered around gratefulness. We are grateful the arts can transform learning communities and impact our students.
NOTE: These are teacher-facing resources, be sure to preview materials before sharing with students.
Create a Gratitude Tree
November is often a month that classrooms spend reflecting and writing about what fills our heart with gratitude. Consider using colored aluminum armature wire to sculpt a 3-dimensional tree that represents all that the student is grateful for. Consider using model magic and beads to include objects, symbols, and ideas of things that can hang from the tree.Then let students create an opinion writing piece that expresses the things they are most grateful for in their personal lives.
2D Method
If you prefer to explore a gratitude tree using a 2-dimensional art piece, consider sketching a tree with branches. Then place words of gratitude on each branch. Then add watercolor to the background of the tree. This can lead to a writing piece as well!
Art-Inspired Subitizing in Math
Looking for a way to engage students in divergent thinking, practice subitizing, and integrate literacy into math classroom? Here is a fun project for our youngest learners!
Step 1:
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Step 2:
Read the picture book, “Ten Black Dots” by Donal Crews. Each illustration is created transforming the dots into parts of a picture.
Step 3:
Students are each assigned a different number of black dots and they use these to create their own illustration in the style of Donald Crews. These kindergarteners loved this!
Step 4:
Let the students take turns working in small groups to order their dot number illustrations. Students can even form a human number line from least to greatest using their dot artwork!
Historical Figure Puppets
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Looking for a way to engage students in creating puppets around historical figures we learn about in our Social Studies curriculum? Check out these 4th grade historical figures that students created using disposable wooden spoons, pipe cleaners, construction paper and googly eyes! Students even created a script about major events during the Revolutionary War and new America to bring their puppets to life! Creating these stick puppets can serve as a great center idea to connect art-making to writing (K-5).
Office Hours
We know when engaging in arts integration, we all need a “thought partner”. This is why our team will hold monthly virtual office hours after- school on Wednesdays (2:45- 3:15 pm)
K & Grade 1: 1st Wednesday of each month
Grade 2 & 3: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Grade 4 & 5: 4th Wednesday of each month
