Today, after a morning of standardized testing, I took my students outside to create eco-art. In the tradition of Andy Goldsworthy we created art from the natural materials readily available around our schoolyard. My kids were so amazing in this project!
After spending a good amount of time wandering the schoolyard, the students broke into small groups. For the first time all year, there was no whining or fighting over working together. Students seemed to naturally gravitate towards working alone or with a small group of friends. They gathered materials together, brainstormed ideas, and even claimed their area without an ounce of anger or annoyance. They quickly got to work and produced some amazing art.
Tomorrow, I will print out their artwork and we will use the pieces to inspire poetry and prose. The words they write will then be combined with the photos before becoming a book on Shutterfly. Through the Voices…From the Land project, we will share our book with another school and will receive one from another school. We are very excited!
Filed under: classroom projects, education, environmental, poetry, writer's workshop, writing | Tagged: andy goldsworthy, art in nature. natural art, eco-art, eco-art in the classroom, eco-artists, nature art | 7 Comments »
The Reading Zone 