5th Grade Nutcrackers

I saw this idea on several blogs and everyone seemed to do it a little different. We did ours step-by-step and then painted with tempera paint. We were working right up until the last minute before Christmas break! Some students didn't even have time to paint their nutcracker's hair! But the results were still fabulous.

Kindergarten Snowmen

There is nothing more adorable than a kindergartner's snowman. Don't they look so happy? We did the snowflakes with Q-tips and then added accessories with holiday patterned scrapbook paper once the paint was dry. I usually go to their classroom and teach them there, but since this project required paint, they traveled down to the art room in their cute little aprons. Very fun day!

Abstract Poinsettia Flowers - 2nd Grade

I saw this idea on Oodles of Art and immediately had to try it with my second graders! We began with a discussion on abstract art. We viewed real poinsettia flowers and talked about the shape of the petals. We then talked about how we could make these beautiful holiday flowers into an abstract work of art by ripping all of our petals and leaves. This project was also an excellent time to teach glue control! They turned out beautiful and received many complements!

Kindergarten Tissue Paper Snowmen

This project was an idea I borrowed from another blog and it turned out so much better than I expected! The students had a great time with it and were able to practice fine motor skills. We began by having a discussion about cool colors. Next, we pasted down squares of tissue paper. After a little practice and a few reminders, the students had the process down to an art! The next class, after the tissue paper and glue had dried, we began painting our snowman. We talked about the shapes that we used for each part of the snowman's body. Last, my favorite part! We took Q-tips and added snowflakes for the final touch! What a talented group of kindergartners I have!