March was busy in my classroom for many reasons. Spring is desperately trying to emerge. The bikes are back on the playground, and I got a ride on the double bike. Whee!
We're in a frenzy in the best of ways preparing for our annual Art Show. I introduce art as if it is to be revered - because it is. First, I show children major works of art - slowly - commenting on how the artist painted the piece. Then I stop, as if I discovered something remarkable; I look at a child and say, "Wait! Tommy, you could do this!"
Every child is excited, and there are shouts of "I can, too!"
How? With real artist paints in tubes squeezed onto pallets, and wearing berets, children have the tools and the inspiration to paint like a master artist.
But there's one more thing... the inspiration. Music.
I bring in my old record player and put it on the floor. "What is it?" The guesses are a suitcase or a box, or (when opened), a gate. Readers, I wish you could be a fly on the wall when I turn it on. A red light! The turntable spins, and when I rub my finger under the arm, the sound is loud.
There are no words, just spellbound children watching the 'newest technology on earth'. When I pull out a record album and tell them, "This is music", they don't understand. Then I play the music (I played Beethoven's Ninth and Meet the Beatles), and children are over the moon. We listen, identify instruments, and dance. Then we sit down. I tell them something important, and I say it with passion:
"When you hear music, it goes into your ears and into your brain. Then, it goes straight into your heart. When you paint, it shoots out of your fingers like fireworks, so you can create a masterpiece."
Yes, that's exactly what music does. Before children painted, they voted on the music they wanted to hear, classical or rock and roll.
Rock and roll was the vote
We began to paint, and paint, and paint. Starry Night is a favorite, yet looking at the painting is far more important than actually painting it. We can't get enough of Starry Night!
Perhaps the favorite art has been painting in the style of Piet Mondrian. A piece of cardboard, dipping the edge in paint, was perfect for making those black lines. We have explored Pointillism, Impressionism, Cubism, Sunflowers, and making the Eiffel Tower with coffee stirrers. I must say, the children's art is truly beautiful.
Next, each child names their framed 'masterpiece'. It's a powerful way to put meaning and importance to their hard work. After all, isn't there a title to every major work of art?
Stay tuned for the art!
Jennie
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