1st Grade Mother's Day Cards with Organic Shaped Monsters

The first graders had a lot of fun turning a simple loop of yarn into an organic shape from which they created a monster with a special Mother's Day message.  We took a little inspiration first by reading My Monster Momma Loves Me So by Laura Lueck and Mark Buehner. Then we discussed how shapes with names (squares, circles, triangles, etc.) aren't the only types of shapes used in art -- artists use "organic" shapes, too.  These cards read "Happy Mother's Day..." on the front and "From Your Little Monster!" on the inside.

5th Grade Keepsake Boxes

Another Mother's Day project, this one by our oldest students.  By now the students have had ceramic experience using the pinch and coil methods, and most have at least witnessed pottery constructed on a wheel.  This project gives them a little experience with slab construction, as the lid, bottom, and walls of these keepsake boxes are made from 3/8 inch clay slab pieces.  Even though Pueblo Indian Maria Martinez didn't employ this particular method, I also use the unit as an opportunity to teach the students about her, as she is considered one of the great North American potters, and her story is a fascinating one.  Showing the students videos of Maria's methods and discussing her work are also good means of following up last year's lesson on the rock art of the ancient Anasazi, Maria's ancestors.    

Gotta love this creativity!