October 25 is International Artist’s Day so this week we are learning about Monet. Our sensory groups explored colorful boxes related to the artist. The fine motor groups made Pinterest inspired art projects and the language group made a Monet inspired treat!
SENSORY GROUP
This box contained a variety of items related to facts about Monet—-including play food and a grocery basket that represented the family business. Monet served in the calvary so we put in a soldier and horse. Of course, we also included a paint brush, paint, and flowers!
There were 2 colored plexiglass panels that let the students see the world in a different light—like Monet!
Science access point: recognize a model of a real object.
We put beads in the color of the French flag in this box.
Whether shaken, worn, or just admired—these beads were a hit.
Science access point: recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli.
This colorful pasta reminded us of the beautiful colors in Monet’s paintings.
There were also letter M’s to find.
Science access point: recognize objects as the same.
Some of Monet’s most famous paintings are of gardens. Our coffee ground dirt contained colorful flower bangles and a small rake.
A picture of one of Monet’s paintings could be found at the bottom of the box.
Science access point: match objects with similar observable properties, such as shape or color.
We continued with the flower theme cookie cutters and yellow moon sand.
The bright yellow sand was very eye catching and its soft texture very appealing.
Science access point: apply a push to move an object.
The students became artists by making their own masterpieces in our multicolored oobleck around.
The colors looked so cool as they swirled around—–very eye catching!
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
Our little pond contained some water lillies and a small goldfish.
There were also 2 measuring cups and a fun watering can!
Science access point: recognize objects related to science by name, such as animal, and plant.
A pretty floral scent seemed the perfect choice for a unit about Monet. We used Bath and Body Works sweet pea scent for our water play and lotion.
The students left group smelling like they just walked in Monet’s garden 🙂
Science access point: recognize one or more external body parts.
FINE MOTOR GROUP
On Tuesday we made lily pad ponds.
First, we identified the shape of the plate.
Math access point:
Blue and green paint was squirted onto paper and the students began painting. We realized we added a little too much green so our ponds ended up looking like they have a little too much algae 🙂
Science access point: recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move.
Lily pads and cupcake liner were then glued to the picture and……..
TA—–Monet—— DA!!!
On Wednesday we made a garden painting. One of our volunteers taped down a “bridge” on each of the papers.
First, the students identified their starting paint color.
Science access point: identify objects by one observable property, such as color.
The students painted for about 10 seconds and when time was up, they shared their paint with their neighbors!
Science access point: share objects with a partner.
After we finished rotating through the paint colors, the masking tape was peeled off—-with a little help from the adults. Then, a paper towel was placed over the picture to blot the paint.
Science access point: recognize a change in the appearance of an object.
TA DA!!!!!!
Look at our gardens!
Monet would approve 🙂
LANGUAGE GROUP
We made some edible art this week and it turned out looking so good!
Each student got to choose a pastel color. Once they chose a color, they got a couple spoonfuls of frosting with some food coloring. They had to STIR up the frosting until it changed colors.
We had 7 different colors to use.
We counted out plates for the students and then counted out graham crackers for our students to use to “paint” on.
Each student got a little of each color of frosting on their graham cracker. Once each color was passed to each student, they started to create their art.
The colors blending into each other was really beautiful! Some students added some pastel sprinkles on top for texture.
And as hard as it was for our students to WAIT to eat their creation until they were all done, they did it! Look at how great they turned out!
Yummy, beautiful art 🙂
Join us again next time for more fun and learning—–Group by Group!
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