Let me just say that there is no better way to enter a room, than to have a classroom of second graders cheer your name.
I haven't been documenting this process quite like I should, but we have been working right along on Little e's class auction project.
The book is really taking shape.
During our first meeting, we brainstormed ideas for the book. At the end of twenty minutes, each child had an idea for their page in the book. A parent volunteer wrote everything down for me.
In our second meeting, the students drew sketches for their illustrations based on their ideas. The teacher is having them watercolor their pictures during their regular class art time. This means that the students can really take their time and do their best work.
This week we made paper collage frames to go around their watercolors.
Most of the paper the children used was recycled from the scrap bin at school or from previous art projects. This teacher does an Eric Carle inspired art project in the spring, and as part of that the students paint and add texture to paper which they then use to make scenes. The leftover paper scrap is saved by the teacher and used in other projects. She let me pull bright colors out of her stash to use in this project.
If I were to do this project again, I would bring in an in-progress frame for them to see. I explained that they should build up a background, and then add small details on top, and I showed them a sample I'd completed. But, many of the students didn't grasp this idea. They put their details down first, and then had to try and fill in around them. I think if I'd shown them the process, instead of just talking about it... oh well. You live and learn.
The frames all look amazing, and everyone finished during the time allowed. I can't wait to see the finished watercolors and lay them into place.
Next week, we meet again and they work on their writing piece.