Pakachoag Press

Many exciting things are happening in art as students participate in hands-on projects that encourage creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Through playful exploration and guided instruction, students are learning to use a variety of materials and techniques while expressing their own ideas.

We are continuing our learning about the seven elements of art, which help students understand the building blocks of creating artwork. So far, students have explored line and shape, and we are now beginning to learn about color by mixing, observing, and experimenting. These lessons help students build important fine motor skills, problem-solving skills, and confidence as young artists.

In Kindergarten, students explored geometric and organic shapes through a variety of engaging, hands-on projects. They created Model Magic pumpkins, designed organic shape monsters, and made their own abstract shape artwork using paint sticks. These projects incorporated both geometric and organic shapes and were inspired by artists Paul Klee, Piet Mondrian, Joan Miró, and Wassily Kandinsky, all of whom used shape as an important element in their artwork.

We finished the trimester with a focus on fine motor skill development. Students created winter collage snowmen by tearing and gluing paper, then adding scarves, hats, or earmuffs using scrapbook paper. They also designed winter backgrounds, learned how to create trees using paint sticks, added snowflakes, and some students even challenged themselves by creating paper snowflakes to include in their artwork. Each piece was incredibly unique and full of personality. Students were very proud of their hard work, and I was truly impressed by how much growth they demonstrated in their fine motor and art skills. We continue to reinforce the importance of perseverance—learning that it is okay to keep trying even when something feels challenging at first.

First graders began their shape unit by going on a leaf hunt, where they examined the beautiful organic shapes found in nature. Students created leaf journals with watercolor leaf print covers and used them to explore leaf rubbings, prints, and observational drawings of the natural environment around them. They even personalized their journals by choosing a ribbon for the binding.

Next, first graders put their cutting skills to the test by creating Henri Matisse–inspired organic collages using a variety of scrapbook papers. They concluded their shape exploration by creating castles using sponge shape prints and snowy owls using pastels.

Second graders learned how to use a ruler as a straight edge and created drawings of castles or cities using geometric shapes inspired by Paul Klee. I was so impressed by their focus and effort—it was wonderful to see how proud they were of themselves as they successfully created straight, intentional lines.

We explored organic shapes by discovering that even a shoe print can be considered organic. Working with a partner, they traced their footprints and transformed them into animals of their choice using oil pastels, adding creative backgrounds to complete their artwork.

To finish the trimester, students created beautiful snow globe drawings featuring winter scenes of their choice. Using pastels, they practiced shading and blending techniques. Students worked very hard on these pieces and were excited to bring them home to share with their families.

Mindfulness Mondays

During Mindfulness Monday, students learned about snowflakes and the work of Wilson Bentley, the first person to photograph a snowflake. We discussed how no two snowflakes are alike and how this reflects the idea that each of us is unique. Students created their own snowflakes using coffee filters by coloring with markers, learning how to fold and cut, and then adding water with droppers to observe how the colors spread.

We displayed our creations as a “Blizzard of Uniqueness” in the art room window to serve as a reminder that we are all unique—just like snowflakes—and that is something to celebrate.

The students have settled nicely into the routines of second grade. In our new writing program, Empowering Writers, the students have been learning about the three genres of text: narrative, informational, and opinion. Please remember to have your child read for at least 15 minutes each day. Your child could practice reading the decodable books that were previously sent home. Of course, any book from home would suffice!

In our new math curriculum, iReady Math, the students have been working on graphing, addition and subtraction of one and two-digit numbers, and word problems. Please remember to have your child practice their math facts daily using the worksheet that is sent home each Monday.

Thank you for attending your child’s parent-teacher conference. As always, please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you for your continued support,

The Grade 2 Team