First Grade Scarecrows

Could I be more proud of myself?

So just exactly what are kids learning in art? Obviously they are learning how to paint, color, cut and glue, but while learning those things they are learning so much more.  The fine motor skills that they use in art class are the same fine motor skills that they use in handwriting and keyboarding.  Working with art supplies is like a "hand work-out" for those mucles!  They are also learning to see a project through to the end.  Finishing an art project that has taken several class periods is a wonderful experience for a child.  They have a huge sense of accomplishment when they look at their finished work!  We also learn to share, take turns, and see the beauty of another's work.  Art class is so very much more than just the projects-every class is a mini-life-lesson!

There is nothing like the smile of success!

Careful cutting is so very important!

Coloring is often the first step.

Finally I am ready to glue!

These scarecrows took the first graders almost 3 full classes to complete.  First they had to design the face, then color all the pieces, cut them out, and then figure out how to assemble the project.  You can tell by the grins on their faces that they are all very proud of themselves! The very best part is when they realize that they all had the same instructions and the same supplies, yet somehow no two are alike!