Fun with Listening!

I do this thing in my language arts class where I read them a descriptive paragraph and get them to draw what they remember! I sometimes find short stories online or create my own masterpieces! This is a great way to make sure those kiddos pay attention and have fun while doing it! I'll talk more about this in another post!

Here is a sample descriptive paragraph that I found really quick through a simple google search:

This little poem is short, adorable, and easy for the younger kiddos to remember! Most of my student will just draw the animals along the beach, either in the sand or in the shallow waters which is perfectly fine!

This activity is all about getting their short term memory activated and seeing just how creative their little minds can be! I love seeing what they come up with and I cannot wait to share it with you too! Check back next week for pictures of their masterpieces!! :)

Science and Finger Paint!

So, this week in science I am teaching my students about the different levels of the ocean. I decided to try and make it as fun as possible for them and for me (always remember to make it something that you too will enjoy!). 

I love to bring finger painting into the mix because it has soooo many benefits!! These are the main benefits that I can think of but I am certain that there are so many more!
The seven that I can think of are 
It is an excellent tactile experience.
It stimulates your child’s senses. (Touch/feel, sight, smell, edible finger paint= taste)
The mixing of colors teaches your child about their colors and how to create new colors
It allows them to use their imagination and create
It is emotionally soothing (in most cases).
It strengthens the hand and fingers which helps with fine motor skills.
Most importantly, it is FUN!




Then end game is to get them to create a poster size piece of art that outlines these different layers. On the first day I will have them start their master pieces by getting them to finger paint, yes.. finger paint, the different levels of the ocean like this: 

Fun Right?? Of course!! 

As the week goes on we will add more to our backgrounds by placing the proper sea creatures in their proper places based on the depth and darkness of the ocean! I have high hopes that this is going to be one SUPER AWESOME WEEK!

These are the levels of the oceans and it is what we will use to guide our creature placement! 

Stay tuned for the end pictures! 

Oh and, here is my
HOMEMADE FINGER PAINT RECIPE:

2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups cold water
2 cups hot water
Food coloring

Method: Mix the flour and salt. Add the cold water. Beat until smooth. Gradually add the hot water and boil until clear. Beat until smooth. Divide the mixture and add the food coloring of your choice.

Under the Sea

The theme this week is going to be Under The Sea! 

A fun theme unit that my students love is Under The Sea. They absolutely love learning about the different sea creatures, where they live, the depths of the oceans.

The two subjects that I am going to post today are Science and Language arts! These two are so easy to tie to a theme and to make super fun for everyone! Generally these activities are good for primary and elementary depending on how complex you want to make them! 

For science,  we look at the different layers of the ocean and from there we create our master pieces using big sheets of paper and finger paints! That's right. You heard me, FINGER PAINTS!! My kids love this so much! I think kids have a thing for wanting to make a mess with everything they touch and trust me, the smiles on their faces will make it all seem worth it!!


I also love playdoh, paper plates, glittler, glue, and most importantly, CREATIVITY!! 
I do this thing in my language arts class where I read them a descriptive paragraph and get them to draw what they remember! I sometimes find short stories online or create my own masterpieces! This is a great way to make sure those kiddos pay attention and have fun while doing it! I'll talk more about this in another post! 

My next couple posting are going to talk about how to use art within language and science. I cannot wait to hear about your take on my ideas :)

Welcome!

Welcome to Ms. Meaghan's Magnificent Mumbles!! 

 

Welcome back to this year's new and improved blog spot! I decided to do this for another year to help my fellow teacher friends (like you) on how to integrate art within other subjects!

Art is a great to use as an introduction to a new unit or topic as well. I find that getting them to drawn or create something is a good way to activate their prior knowledge on the topic! By activating their prior knowledge, you are able to judge where your students on so that you know where to start on the topic and how in depth you should go with it. You can also use art as an end game for connecting all the topics together and getting your students to show what they learned. My students love when we finish a unit with a craft that relates the theme and what they have learned about it!

So, if you are wondering what kind of activities to do, please browse the other postings and don't be afraid to get creative!!

I hope you enjoy what I have to offer and I hope it is helpful to you and your students! I would love to hear back about experiences with some of these crafts and other that you come up with!

 

 

 

Enjoy!!

 

Meag :)