Art: The Important Thing About Me

 First grade has begun a project inspired by the book "The Important Book," by Margaret Wise Brown. After reading the book together and making predictions based on the illustrations, girls examined works of art to figure out strategies or tricks artists use to make the important thing look EVEN MORE IMPORTANT! Girls interviewed each other using video on the iPad to brainstorm important things about themselves. They shared these videos with other partners, and connected with each other over shared interests. Using crayon and watercolor, first graders were challenged to create and image using strategies to show themselves, the important thing about them, and strategies to show emphasis. While working with watercolor, first graders were responsible for themselves as they set and cleaned up materials. During work time, they shared discoveries and made predictions about material combinations. Finally, first graders reflected on their work, met with a new partner, and then introduced their partner and shared the important thing about her with the class.