Wayne Thiebaud Cakes

Here is a quick, one day project that the kids just loved. We have just finished our pinterest-inspired tints and shades ice cream cones and we have been talking all about artist Wayne Thiebaud. Today we showed the children how to draw cylinders, stack them, and decorate them to make fanciful cakes. We provided some pictures of beautifully decorated cakes from a local bakery. The kids LOVED this project! This would be an excellent project to leave for a substitute.

Substitute Art Centers

I just developed art plans for my K-2 students for when I have a substitute teacher. I have 6 table groups, so each table will get a tub of supplies. Students will rotate between the following activities: play dough, rollers, and cookie cutters ( in 2 centers), art journals, art books, Art "Memory" game, and drawing prompts (from the Anti-Coloring Book series) with geometric design coloring sheets. Here are the directions I will leave for the sub for centers!

*One of my previous posts on Zentangles explains what my 3-5th graders will work on when we have a substitue teacher. I find that things flow much better when I leave detailed activities that leave no room for boredom when there is a sub! I also don't want to scare a substitute away from the Art room, so I try to leave things that won't cause a lot of chaos-and also activities that I can pull out at a moment's notice if needed.


Art Room Centers (K-2)



Tubs should be set on the tables according to the diagram below. Students will begin at the center where their assigned seat happens to be and rotate accordingly. Each center will need to be explained before any movement occurs.


1.) Play Dough: There will be two centers for play dough. Students must keep the clay on the table. They may not mix colors or else they may not participate. They can use the rolling pins and cookie cutters. They must use a placemat. Please have them use hand sanitizer before the begin and when they finish (and of course, if they get up to use the bathroom!!)


2.) Art Books: Students may choose books to look at quietly and switch when finished. Please remind them to be respectful of the books!


3.) Art Memory: They may need assistance setting up a memory game with the art cards. They will take turns to find a match, just like in the game of Memory.


4.) Drawing/Color sheets: They will use pencils, crayons, and markers to select a coloring or activity sheet of their choice. They will take these with them!


5.) Art Journals: Using the famous work of art, students will take a journal sheet, write their name on it, and follow the writing prompt. They will put their journal entries in the bottom of the tub when they are finished.


Center Rules: No more than 6 will be at a center at a time. They will stay with their table groups and rotate. Please set the timer for 10 minutes at each center. They will only be able to get to four or five centers in a class period.

Zentangles

I recently discovered Zentangles, a calming, creative process developed by Suzanne McNeill. Her blog is http://blog.suzannemcneill.com/. Zentangles are doodle drawings that help you to focus and relax your mind! They can take a shape or they can also just travel across a paper. Some designs can be shaded in, some can be left in line! The purpose of this activity is to find calmness through a creative process. Zentangles can be made anywhere!

I haven't purchased any of her books (there are a few listed on Amazon) but I did check out her blog. Some other artists describe this process as Zendoodles. Taking time to search the internet will provide you with many resources. I made a handout for my students with ideas, and after explaining this process to them, they couldn't wait to try! I turned on music, told them that for 45 minutes they could let their minds relax, listen to music, and let their imaginations carry them. They LOVED this process and we had such a peaceful art class. I think from now on when I have students finish early or I have a substitute, Zentangles will be the favored activity!

A Few of my FAVORITE books!

Many times when I am stuck on an idea or need inspiration, I turn to other art education blogs. All of the amazing blogs I've seen have inspired me to share my own ideas with a blog. Another great tool for teaching art is a book! I love the Usborne drawing and art books. They are truly valuable and full of great material. I suggest them to every art teacher I know! The pages also copy nicely for handouts and can be left for sub plans. Check out the Usborne website!