K/1 Thumbprints

I had strep throat and scarlet fever, at the same time.  Ick.  It’s no fun being sick and missing four days of school is a lot of school to miss.  It is hard to plan lessons that will be educational and lessons that a non-art substitute teacher won’t have a problem presenting.  Art for Small Hands does a great job writing out lesson plans so it is easy for anyone to present the lesson.  I really love how she has questions for getting the students to talk about their art and responses to questions they may have as they create their work.

Julie Voight is the blogger for Art with Small Hands.  I love her principles for any adult teaching art to children:

1) Instruct but do not do. Discuss a child’s work. Demonstrate techniques. Share ideas. But do not touch the work itself.

2) Never start with a pre-cut shape. Never trace. Start from scratch. A child’s circle will be more interesting than your own.

3) Quality materials and an organized, inviting workspace are an essential backdrop for creative chaos. Invest in good supplies and take time to set up.

4) Look. Look at the greats; no child is too young for art history. Look at the world; learning to make art is learning to see and find pleasure in details.

This particular lesson is in inspired by Ed Emberley‘s book Great Thumbprint Drawing.

Students began by printing their thumbs on their paper.  This is a wonderful introduction to basic printmaking.

Then they were able to create characters and stories making each thumbprint different.

I love the art making process with children.  My favorite part is hearing the story that goes along with each beautiful piece but I’ll have to imagine the stories along with you this time.

Can you come up with your own story to go along with each of these beautiful creations?