The document outlines a series of art units for elementary school students in grades 1-5, focusing on themes such as nature, community, and personal identity. Each grade engaged in hands-on art projects that combined creative expression with reading, writing, and science concepts, fostering collaboration and individual self-discovery. The curriculum emphasized the importance of art in understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives and experiences.

1. Elementary School Student Artwork Anne Hurst Student Teaching Grades 1-5

2. Grade One The unit “Prints and Poetry” exposed the students to the various forms of printing. Each student was able to practice reading and writing skills while producing artwork inspired by nature.

3. Grade Two This unit reinforced the students understanding of “Community.” Although we may be different, we can all work together! Each student was asked to create their own favorite place. The class combined their pieces to create this community mural. This giant picture that covers the wall shows how we can use artwork to unite our community!

4. Grade Three During this unit of study the students investigated “Patterns within art and nature.” Two different methods of artmaking were used. The students created relief prints followed by a lesson on slab clay building with an emphasis on texture. This interdisciplinary approach within the art room allowed the students to reinforce their Science unit on “Living Systems.”

5. Grade Four Students explored “Beauty and Nature” within this unit of study. Although nature is an enduring source of inspiration for artists, every individuals personal definition of beauty is different. Observational drawing took the class outside…and we created a word bank as inspiration for our original Haiku poems. Students were able to experience printmaking by creating yarn blocks in the natural forms that they drew outside. Students had a wonderful sense of accomplishment upon completion!

6. Grade Five Students in grade five examined their own identity. The focus of this lesson was to write an autobiographical cartoon. Some children used outstanding detail of real life events. Others examined their former fears that they had overcome! The kids really had a chance to connect with this fun approach to modern art!