The arts are such an important part of your child's education. We all know that (I hope we do)---so I won't stand on my soapbox and discuss the value of art in education. We have studied sculpture in our MWF program for several years. I continue to do this unit annually because the kids LOVE it. They love it and they get it. I also loved hearing that older siblings still have their sculptures in their rooms. Awesome!
The children have learned sculptures are three dimensional, sculptures can be made out of almost anything and we also looked at some pictures of sculptures.
We have been saving toilet paper and paper towel tubes since the beginning of the school year. Twenty seven children used nine kitchen size garbage bags full of tubes.
The base this year presented a problem. In the past, I had used wallpaper book covers cut down for the base. They were really solid and sturdy. Then I ran out. We had some heavy duty cardboard donated and I cut that down for the bases. Then I ran out of cardboard. I had to think of something to use for the base. I was thinking of getting some cheap plywood when divine inspiration hit me. Heavy duty paper plates! Cheap and easy---always key words for preschool projects. These are not the Chinet brand so I glued two plates together for support. Perfect and problem solved.
All the children have glued together their sculptures. Our next step is painting our pieces. We will do that on Wednesday. After the pieces are painted, I will help the children glue on items from our collage box and we will send them home.
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| Olympic Iliad Alexander Liberman 1984 |
Last summer, my husband and I spent a week in Seattle. Looking down onto the city from the top of the Space Needle, I see this sculpture in the park! I was so excited (I may have embarrassed my husband with my enthusiasm) and was anxious to see who the artist was and learn more. The sculptor is Alexander Liberman (1912-1999). Search 'Alexander Liberman' or 'Alexander Liberman sculptures' and then go to IMAGES. It will be a great opportunity for you and your child to explore his work and discuss sculptures.
Want to explore some sculptures with your child??? There are so many local opportunities. It is going to be a beautiful weekend here in central Illinois. Take a walk on the riverfront to see some of Preston Jackson's work. Head over to ICC or Bradley and park the car and walk around campus. No time to head over to Peoria? Head over to our square to see the Lincoln statue or drive over to Greg DePauw's house (near the fire station).
Get the playdough out or make some playdough for sculpting. Search our blog for lots of playdough recipes.
Want to know more? Search "Scultpures" on our blog.
Want to do more? Need tubes? Let me know! Have a great weekend!
