Third Grade Aboriginal Spirit Animals 

Third Graders looked at work by Norval Morrisseau, a Canadian aboriginal artist:

After looking at Morrisseau's work and learning a bit about his life, we discussed spirit animals. We chose our own spirit animal based on the animal's qualities (strength, cunning, speed, grace, etc). Some kids chose real animals, others chose to make up their own animals!  We sketched animals using simple shapes (make sure to have lots of pictures of animals for reference).  Students chose an animal to draw on colored card stock.  We painted our spirit animals with tempera and outlined them with black sharpies.  After mounting them on black paper, students came up with titles for their artwork. 



 



Here are our Spirit Animals on display:

Kindergarten Shape Collage!

Kindergarteners made animal collages out of shapes.  We read 'Color Farm' by Lois Ehlert (an awesome book of farm animals that are made of simple shapes) and talked about all the different shapes that are used.  Kinders made their own shapes using a combination of pre-cut shapes and shapes they cut out themselves.  We added in background details and stamped the names of our animal with gold ink.

splotch monsters!

Splotch monsters made by pouring two colors of paint onto paper.  2nd graders used gravity (tilting their paper) and straws to move the paint around their paper.  They collaged on eyes and other features to give their monsters some character. 

Isn't she fabulous?  I want those mouse shoes.