Figures in Motion

 As the children explored figure's in motion using mixed media lot's of big thinking emerged.

Not only was there talk of joints, flexing and how parts join together, some children realized that the softer oil clay people needed to have bones in order for them to be less floppy.

The resulting figures were whimsical, fun and conveyed each child's thinking throughout the process as they negotiated the possibilities and limitations inherent in the new materials.

sandwich making

In addition to our movement study, the studio is presently a sandwich makin' station .  Children from every class have been coming through to make their personalized sandwich.... and eating them.... YUM!

Thank you so much to the families who continue to supply the studio with the food needed to make this ongoing food study possible!  We couldn't do it without you.

movement

Amy joined me in the studio this week to investigate movement.  We brought in some drawing mannequins for a provocation and used our own bodies in motion to illustrate how the mannequins could depict the bodies ability to bend, flex, jump and dance.

These tools helped children to isolate the various body parts responsible for our fluid, flexible and moveable form.

 Several children asked if they could try to create their own drawing mannequins.

So a plan was formed and Thursday we will begin this investigation in 3-D.

Mama mia... spaghetti and drawing in the studio

The children from all of the classes have been flowing through the studio this week, preparing spaghetti however they like it.  The table is set with pasta, marinara sauce, meatballs, parmesan, pepperoni and fresh bread.

There has been an enthusiastic response from the children... "I love pasta!", "I love pasta with cheese", "Mmmmm....I want to eat more meat balls", "Pasta is sooooooo good".  In addition, we have spent the week drawing various food items.

 The children are enjoying this investigation of food and together we continue to decide where our study will take us.

Tacos in the studio

Following the children's suggestion we spent the week making tacos in the studio while continuing to explore other creative avenues like paint, collage, found art sculpture and more.  Rather than prepare each ingredient with the children, our families generously volunteered to contribute toward the weekly menu.  This week they brought in: hard taco shells, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, ground turkey, refried beans and guacamole. I set these supplies up into a self service station allowing each child to create tacos to suit individual taste.

This has been a huge success and we look forward to enjoying spaghetti with meatballs next week.

Thank you so much to all our families for their support!  We couldn't do it without you.