Saturday, August 29, 2009

Writing Prompts

At times we all need ideas to begin writing...
  • On the weekend
  • The best day of my life
  • If I were an animal I'd be .... because
  • If I went on holiday, I'd go to...
  • Things I can't live without
  • My wish list
  • Living in a fairytale (choose one you'd like to be in)
  • Recipe for happiness/fun/friendship/respect
  • My favourite place in the world
  • Where my family comes from
  • Stories my Grandmother/Grandfather told me
  • Advice for the next year/grade ____
  • I am proud of ........
  • What really annoys me (make sure you give a few examples so these aren't aimed directly at another person)

Friday, August 28, 2009

Art Journals

I have started Art journals with my Year 2s this year to encourage pride in their work and make it easier to store when taken home at the end of the year. 

I have asked them to make some name art for their front pages. I will laminate these and also laminate a back cover. Each piece of artwork will be glued onto an A3 sheet and then hole punched. Ribbon can then be pulled through and tied. The other option is to use shower curtain rings to keep the book together. 

The photos show the student's front cover for their art journals. 


Art Journal

I have started Art journals with my Year 2s this year to encourage pride in their work and make it easier to store when taken home at the end of the year. 

I have asked them to make some name art for their front pages. I will glue these onto a piece of cardboard to give them a little more strength. Each piece of artwork will be glued onto an A3 sheet and then hole punched. Ribbon can then be pulled through and tied. The other option is to use shower curtain rings to keep the book together and stationary stores sell metal clasps if you'd prefer.

The photos show the student's front cover for their art journals. 


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Themes: Plants

This term's theme is 'Plants'. Below is the basic curriculum plan. As usual, I am sure there will be additions throughout the term due to the fact that I have seen another excellent resource.

1. Brainstorm what children know about plants and what they want to find out. Display in the classroom
2. Label the parts of a plant & flower (Science)
Seeds – What is a seed? What do they look like? How is a seed planted? Torn Paper Art - garden scenes (Art)
3. Make a wall chart of different seeds. Allow children to see and feel each kind.(Science)
4. Sketch plants we can see in our schoolyard (Art)
Collect leaves, bark and natural objects from the ground. Make a nature display (Science)
5. Illustrate the lifecycle of a plant/flower (Science)
Grow grass heads.
6. Discuss: What do plants need to live? (Science)
Experiments with seedlings. One on the windowsill receiving light, the other in a cupboard. Children to predict what they think will happen. (Science)
7. Water
When we water a plant, how does it absorb the water? Draw a blue line on our labelled picture of how the water travels.
8. The Sun
Do all plants need the sun? Discuss the varying plant labels from shops, which give instructions for that plant (Science)

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Torn Paper Art



I actually got this idea from a blog I read regularly. It is full of great ideas for art, for all ages. Check it out, Art Projects for Kids. I took the idea and tried it with my Reception/Year 1s. I asked the children to draw a plant scene first and then glue on the torn paper. It worked really well and they have produced some gorgeous art. The best part about this project is that the children who normally were reluctant to participate in artistic activities, were really successful in creating a piece of artwork.