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Second Graders Create a Flock of Colorful Birds

Second Graders Create a Flock of Colorful Birds
THree students working on art projects at a big table

Clay, paint, feathers, paper, and pipe cleaners were used to make mixed-media birds in Mrs. Olsen’s art class.

“This is one of the first times they’ve worked with modeling clay,” said Mrs. Eileen Olsen. “They had to stretch and pinch it to make their bird shape. The bird could be any style they wanted, as long as it resembled a bird.”

Second-grade students first watched a video of the book “Hooray for Birds” by Lucy Cousins. They discussed the different types of details that were used to draw the birds in the illustrations. Some drawings used colors to differentiate the features of the birds, while others used lines, dots, and dashes to create texture.

Saples of finished clay bird art , mounted on round bright colored paper

“There are different lengths of feathers so your lines can be different lengths,” said Mrs. Olsen. “Some have dots to separate the areas. Some have circles around the eyes in coordinating colors. There are lots of ways to make your bird yours.”

To create the birds, students sculpted modeling clay into the shape of birds, including the body, a head with a beak, and a tail. Once the base was set, they painted the birds a variety of bold colors and added beaded pipe cleaners for the legs. Mrs. Olsen also helped to add eyes to the birds using hot glue.

“We made them out of modeling clay,” said Anya B. “We made their legs out of pipe cleaners, and we put beads on them.”

Wide view of classroom with students standing by tables

The final step in the project was to add details to the birds by layering other mediums over the clay. Markers were used to add fine lines, deepen color, highlight, and shade areas of their birds. Students also used paper and feathers to add texture and details.

“I added eyelashes. I also outlined the wings,” said Vivian R. “I liked painting the birds the best because I can mix the colors.”

Once all the students had completed their projects, the class wrapped up with a gallery walk around the room. Students formed a single-file line and moved around the room in the same way they would at an art gallery: by observing and enjoying the artwork but not touching it.

Two students working on their art by a large TV screen with art samples on it

Each colorful bird was unique and showed off the artist’s distinct vision. The birds will be mounted on brightly colored paper disks and displayed in the hallway near the cafeteria.

 

  • District
  • Elementary

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