Hello, soon-to-be-third-grade-parents! We know it comes as no surprise to you that things are winding down here. Units are wrapping up, portfolios are being assembled, and we can feel summer approaching!
We're looking forward to the last few days of school with your children and with you, and didn't want the week to slip by without sharing this wonderful update from Art -- we are proud!
The second grade artists ROCKED the Spring Arts Festival! Their work reflected the wide scope of their passions and inspiration. From fancy/silly dog painting to still-life paintings, each piece serves as a reflection of the artist at one moment in time. Since summer is quickly approaching Ms. O and Ms. Rankey wanted to give y’all a few tips to keep your artists inspired and motivated over the summer.
•Keep a sketchbook.
This can be a fun family activity. Each member of the family can spend some time reflecting on a day, an activity, or a vacation. Don’t be “adult” worried...follow the joy your child has when sketching, doodling, writing, etc.
•Save your recycling materials.
Many of the young artists building and sculpture materials come right from the recycle bin. Cereal boxes, egg cartons, bottle caps, etc. can all spur your child's imagination at any point of a rainy day. Don’t forget to stock up on tape (btw, the old-school gum-back tape that needs to be moistened is the BEST)!!
•Embrace the mess and mistakes.
We know this can be difficult but letting your young artist make a mess is essential for their growth and development as an artist. Artists take risks and try new things and sometimes it just doesn’t work. As adults, we tend to get frustrated and quit but kids just keep going. When exploring materials the artists can get so immersed that they don’t even see the fabulous mess they just made:). Remind them that even artists have to clean their studio (especially if that studio doubles as your dining room table!).
•Pro “artist” materials are not necessary.
Kid artists have master the “use what you have” technique. Although they may love an organized set of super sharpened colored pencils, they simply don’t need them to make powerful artwork. For your own sanity, just make sure all markers and paint are washable...remember, you are embracing the mess:).
We will be updating our Art Department Blog with a 2016-2017 wrap-up and adding in some more fun summertime tips. It has been a pleasure teaching your child this year and we look forward to new and exciting things in 3rd grade!
Thanks,
Jen Rankey and Mary Ann O’Sullivan
It was great to see everyone this morning at our End of Year Celebration, and we hope to see more of you in the last few days as we wrap up this wonderful year together.
