2nd Grade- Visual Jazz

In honor of Black History Month, second graders are studying the African American collage artist, Romare Bearden. Bearden lived in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance and was greatly influenced by Jazz Music for his artwork.

In art class, we listened to music from the Harlem Renaissance while using paper, scissors, and glue to make our own collages. Didn't second grade do a brilliant job with their own music-inspired artwork!?

To learn more about Romare Bearden, check out this video:

To discover more of Romare Bearden's legacy, check out his official website:

http://www.beardenfoundation.org/index2.shtml

1st Grade- Box of Crayons

In honor of Black History Month, we're making a conscious effort to embrace and celebrate our diversity. First graders watched this video of Shane DeRolf's poem,

"The Crayon Box That Talked":

THE CRAYON BOX THAT TALKED from tim webb on Vimeo.

Then, we discussed what makes each person unique and how although each of us is different, we're all created equal. How ridiculous to treat someone differently because the color of their skin, where they're from or what they wear! This world would be a boring place if we all looked exactly the same.

To celebrate our differences, each student created their self portrait on a paper crayon. Next, we put them together to unify our artwork. By working together and accepting everyone, our artwork is complete!

2nd Grade- "Tar Beach" Dreams

We read "Tar Beach" written and illustrated by Faith Ringold, and we discussed how many great things begin with a dream (for example, MLK Jr.).

In Ringold's story, Cassie Louise Lightfoor's father was a hard worker, but he was not allowed to go inside the buildings he built because of his skin color. How ridiculous!

(Click on the book for a special surprise!)
Cassie dreamed of a better future for herself and her family. In her dream, when she flew over her father's constructions, they became hers. We each chose an architectural piece that represents something special to us and drew ourselves flying over it.

Architecture is something that is built by people. Schools, homes, theme parks, and bridges are all forms of architecture.