Since reading about Andy Goldsworthy at the start of this week my eldest has been inspired to find out even more about the artist. Yesterday he researched about him by using the computer and some of our art books. He planned his own art piece by sketching it in his book along with lots of writing about the artists use of materials and which pieces are his personal favourites. He was so enthusiastic that he even grabbed his little brother to show him a slideshow of Andy's work on the laptop - they were both captivated. Isn't it wonderful how art can speak to anyone regardless of age, gender or race and motivate them to explore their own creativity?
As Theo was so engaged drawing and researching I decided to explore mark making with Tristan. Andy Goldsworthy's art is very much about nature so I wanted Tristan to try to use natural objects in his own art piece. He chose to use pine cones and acrylic paint to experiment with making different marks and textures. As he painted I asked him to describe the feel, shape and size of the cone and then describe the mark it left behind. I used the opportunity to do a little more colour work with him and asked him to make brown using two other colours which he did successfully. He enjoyed himself and made a number of lovely, expressive pictures.
Tristan discovered the wonders of the 'Teach My Monster To Read' website yesterday and spent half an hour levelling up through three kingdoms winning cakes, hats and underpants along the way for his grumpy-faced little monster. It is a great fun site which helps children learn letter sounds and it is free - it is well worth a try.
Theo spent a large part of the day plotting numbers on charts and practicing his division skills. He played on the BBC Schools maths web site for a while before completing a selection of puzzles and worksheets. We are being sent some interesting maths resources which we are all excited about. I will share feedback about these in a few weeks.
Theo finished the 'Maleficent Seven' and wrote a book report about it. I also found him writing about WW2 because he had read one of the Horrible Histories books and found it interesting - I'm so proud of him.
We also learnt about our digestive system - from biting and chewing right through to visiting the toilet. They wondered about the digestive juices so Theo grabbed the vinegar as it is acidic and they mushed up various foods and left them soaking in the vinegar to see what would happen. It was stinky, child led science which has yet to be concluded.
Today they concentrated on map reading. Theo found out about six countries whilst Tristan coloured in the flags of the UK. They were so industrious and Tristan's careful colouring in and concentration really impressed me. He was incredibly proud of his finished piece of work which will be used as part of a new wall display.
In the afternoon we headed to the woods so that Theo could make his planned piece of art. It took him over an hour to create. He told me when it was finished that he really enjoyed the experience and wants to make more sculptures - I'm very excited about this new found love for art. We talked about the reactions he hoped people would have as they came across the piece in the forest and what emotions he hoped to evoke with it. He thinks it will surprise and confuse people - I think it will spread a little joy.
Tristan wanted to make something and decided to use pine cones again. He thought about the shapes of the trees and then found one which he particularly liked. He balanced pine cones along the branches and stuffed them into holes. He told me that he wanted to make the tree look even more beautiful - I think he succeeded.
Through art they were both able to express themselves today which is important for developing their sense of self and confidence. Theo learnt that his creation was important to him and because of that it became important to other people, it had value.
We had a superb game of hide and seek in the trees - I won of course. They played in their favourite tree and had a good climb. Tristan is getting more adept at climbing to the higher branches which is helping his balance and co-ordination. He is a very agile little monkey these days.
I know a few people locally who don't let their children climb trees or use the rope swing because they are scared that their child will fall. I'm always scared that one of the boys will fall but I believe risk taking is an important life skill so I watch with my heart in my mouth and trust them to use their judgement about their own safety. Do you encourage your children to climb trees or does the element of risk deter you?
No comments:
Post a Comment