Art Centers for all Classrooms
1. Print Making
For this center I will use the following supplies: Letter/number stamps (I might make some of my own that are simple to use for smaller hands), construction paper, liquid tempera paint, paint brushes/mini rolling pins (depending on how big my stamps are), trays for the paint, and “messy mats” or old newspaper to line the workspace. Most of my supplies will be ready to go because I will keep the art supplies that we will be using throughout the year in our “art store” area of the classroom (the place where I neatly organize and label supplies in baskets or similar containers). Because of this, it will be easy to set out supplies or have each student visit the art store, and take what they need (for other activities). I will line the table with something for easy clean-up since I will be dealing with paint. I’m wondering how reusing washable table clothes will pan out, if I take them home and wash them at the end of the day. There won’t be a ton of color choices for this activity since my major focus will be on letter/number identification, letter sounds, counting, or phonics, to name a few examples. I’m also hoping to have something similar to a close line hung up in my classroom so I can easily use a clothes pin to hang the artwork to dry. I could use this activity for so many lesson plans and will make sure directions are clear before I turn the students loose in the center. I also want to note that I will have basket of random objects that the students can use for print making. If for example the center was set up for a learning activity, I met keep it up for an indoor recess day and allow the student to play around and be creative with print making.
2. Play Doh Sculpting
This is another activity that I will be pretty well prepared for, because I will also keep our classroom Play Doh supplies in a designated box (or baskets by color, if I have the space). The 2D shapes poster will be laminated because I will be reusing them year after year. When students get to the center there will either be a tub of play doh for each child (same colors) or I will have them go to the store and choose a color. My ultimate decision will depend on many aspects like, if there will be an adult at the table or how mature I feel the students are. I can do this activity with a number of concepts: shapes, letters, sight words, numbers, and even indoor recess. I will always make sure the students are using the play doh responsibly and understand they are responsible for cleaning up their own personal areas when it is time to switch centers.
3. Drawing & Coloring for Many Different Content Integration Ideas
I never want to forget how easy it is to integrate art into key content areas and how even more easy it is to spark creativity by dropping a box of crayons on the table. I feel like kids are immediately engaged when they see they are going to be drawing and coloring and this art, in all its simplicity, add beauty to otherwise boring assignments. I have to admit, this assignment wasn’t easy for me, because when I think art centers, I think about the designated corner of my classroom that hangs around all year. I think art should be included as much as possible in learning, especially in the elementary grades. But, I digress. Anytime I include a drawing/coloring center in our class assignments, I will have my premade baskets of markers, crayons, colored pencils, and pastels ready to go. I will place plenty of which ever one we are using in the middle of the center’s table. I will also include any other papers or printouts the students will need to complete the assignment. Directions will always be given and clear to understand and I will include teacher examples in all my centers so that students can see up close (and pass around) examples of what their work needs to look like.