Trees in Winter: Conifers

Post Contributed by Ally Bernstein, Teaching Assistant

Theo hard at work

With winter holidays drawing near and deciduous trees empty of leaves, an afternoon dedicated to conifers was completely fitting. Ms. Bernstein taught a lesson on the ever-alluring evergreen trees, beginning with a discussion of the science behind the needles. We discussed why conifers, which often grow in acidic soil, expend more energy and nutrients to make needle-shaped leaves that don't fall in the winter. Students participated in a role-play activity to demonstrate this adaptation, as well as the process through which a tree sheds its leaves.

Joseph and Emily as a tree shedding its leaves

For our project, we used cuttings from conifers such as eastern pines and cedars to create rubbings and/or stamps. Ms. Bernstein demonstrated how to make the rubbings with crayons and how to construct stamps using foam and cardboard. Some students took the stamping a step further, and attached the actual needles straight to the cardboard for experimental stamping!

Ms. Bernstein with exemplars

Throughout the process, Beye Discovery students made wonderful use of repetition, shape, and color to create subdued pieces that were evocative of their source material while also taking on a new life.

Emily chose pastel hues to make a fanciful artwork

Emily's artwork, in progress

Joseph's rubbings echo the look of trees within a landscape

Ethan makes a rubbing

Joey creates a swirling rainbow conifer circle

Emily's completed artwork

Students who constructed foam stamps created artworks that were bold and crisp, in direct contrast to the mostly subdued rubbings.

Emory stamps with "needles" made from foam

Dexter cuts foam for stamping

Jordon's colorful rubbing

Gingerbread Houses: Gifts for Pre-Schoolers in Head Start Program

Hi Families!

Beye Discovery students were invited for the 2nd year in a row to create one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for pre-school participants in the Head Start Program. Last year, we made spherical ornaments with folded paper circles. This year, our students made very personalized gingerbread house ornaments, each with a special touch. 

Joey

To begin, we looked at images of gingerbread house styles and discussed what made gingerbread houses look so yummy and appealing. The candy factor is big, and so is color: gum drops, peppermints, and candy canes easily come to mind. We also considered motifs of the winter season such as drifting snow, wreaths, holiday lights, snowflakes & evergreen trees.

Lucy

Everyone started the project with a yogurt cup, a rectangular strip of ginger colored paper, and a paper roof shape.  Then the students selected from a variety of supplies including sequins, colorful collage papers, colored pencils & white paint to decorate their gingerbread house and roof.

Each gingerbread house is completely unique and we were touched by the amount of care and thoughtfulness given by each child as they made their gift. Students took pride in their work and it is our hope that the recipients of these beautiful gifts could sense the warmth and joy the children experienced in their making : ) 

Jessica

Theo

Joel

Emory

Norah

 

Dexter

Lucy

Joel: "Happy House" wishes for all the Head Start children!