2-D Mosaics, Eco-paint and "Snow much fun"!

Nina and I were very happy to see the students after a fun-filled winter break! We were also pleased to welcome Lily, a 2^nd grade student new to Beye Discovery. So glad to have you with us Lily!!! In our first week back, we created 2-D mosaics; enjoyed warm winter weather and painted outside with milk paint; played in the snow (the only thing constant is change); created geometric designs via nga.gov (called “Wallovers”); made drawings and paintings using creamy crayons and water (for a watercolor effect) and created “string mache” forms to create a group installation (in progress). Be sure to scroll down for additional details and photos! Also, do check out 2 prior post (describing the “wallovers” and string mache) contributed by Sydney and Daysha, 4^th graders. Great job ladies!!! We look forward to more of your posts!

The photos below show the students working on 2-D mosaics, an Alex product, donated to the program by Vaughan and Cyrus’ family (a huge thank you from all of us in Beye Discovery!). What Nina and I enjoy about this mosaic kit is that in addition to the template image provided, the sheet of mosaic “tiles” also allows for image creation as the tiles are removed (this creates contrast between the white of the sheet and the colored tiles). Once the students became aware of this, they were eager to show us this stage of development as well. Lastly, there are lots of mosaic tile pieces remaining once the template is complete, so these can be used to create additional mosaics of the students’ own design! 

The weather was so warm on Tuesday, that we had to take advantage of it! This past fall we had painted outside with eco-friendly milk paint (powdered milk, water, and food coloring) and we thought it would be terrific to try this again. This time the focus was to create designs or symbols. We demonstrated how to begin by drawing a simple shape, and filling it in with color to create a silhouette. Next, we outlined the shape in a different color and then added decorative lines and shapes within it using additional colors to create a more complex design. The students made beautiful designs and 2 students had a great idea of their own: they poured and splattered the paint, to create paintings in the style of the abstract expressionists (bravo Sydney and Daysha!). What a super way to spruce up the black top!

So here is evidence on how fickle the weather can be! Just 2 days later, our Beye Discovery children are bundled up in their warmest winter gear to play in the snow! It was worth the wait : )

Snow much fun!!! (pun intended)

Below are some terrific drawings made with creamy crayons that are soluble in water and can create watercolor effects. Liam used a mark making technique in the creation of his underwater scene and the other students were soon eager to try their hand at this as well. It is always wonderful when the students become teachers! Great Job Liam! 

Liam

Dasha

Govanni

Leila

Elizabeth

Suzanne

Emerson