THIRD GRADE . . . learning how to see 3D

In third grade we are creating 3-dimensional animals out of clay. In preparation for this project, students brought into school a stuffed animal that they could use as a model. It is difficult to understand how to mold the shapes of the animal if we are not used to seeing it in a 3-dimensional form. To practice seeing 3D forms, we created drawings of our animals from six different view points, using the layout of a cube.

Cube layout by Ashley

Cube layout by Lucia

On one side of the cube we drew the front of the animal as it is facing us. Then we drew the two sides of the animal, the back, the top, and even how it appeared from underneath! A nose that looks flat from the front projects out when you look at it from the side. We learned a lot about the shapes of our animals this way.

Here are some finished cubes! To see all of our cubes, click on this link for artsonia.com.
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=114839

Artwork by Nicholas

Artwork by Lauren

Artwork by Nehemiah

Note to families...
This art blog will be updated regularly with new posts sharing our daily activities in the art room and news about upcoming art exhibits. To respect the privacy of our students, names will always be limited to first name only and identifiable photos will never be accompanied with a name. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write in the comment box below or send me an email at blevine@ranneyschool.org. I would love to hear from you!
    In my class, students are given the chance to explore different materials and fun new techniques as they develop their signature style. Some young artists love to draw with a pencil, some like to paint on canvas or create images in a digital format, while others prefer working with clay and molding three-dimensional forms. In my classroom, we use a variety of materials allowing all artists to experiment and figure out which type of art they like the best. At Ranney School, we place a strong emphasis on originality and celebrate artistic differences, always nurturing and encouraging the imagination of every student.
     Remember to check out our display of finished artwork and student portfolios in the Ranney home page of Artsonia.com.  http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=114839

KINDERGARTEN . . . We are published authors and illustrators!

 “If you Take a Mouse to Ranney School” is now a published audio e-book. I recorded each of the students’ voices as they read their own story for the book. To read our published book and hear everyone's voice, see the iTunes information below.

You will need an iPad or an iPhone with the ibooks app (free to download) installed on your tablet or phone. In the itunes bookstore, you can then download the book into your ibooks app. It is a free book and is listed under the category of education. Share your child’s artwork with your entire family!

This book is available for download with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device, and with iTunes on your computer. Books can be read with iBooks on your Mac or iOS device.

This is an audiobook written, illustrated, and read aloud by the Kindergarten art students at Ranney School in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Based on the book "If You Take a Mouse to School," by Laura Numeroff, Kindergarteners drew illustrations of what would happen if they take a mouse to their school. Along with their illustrations are the voices of each student reading their stories.

View In iTunes

·         Free

·         Available on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.

·         Category: Education

·         Published: May 14, 2014

·         Publisher: Ranney School

·         Seller: Barbara Levine

·         Print Length: 38 Pages

·         Language: English

·         Requirements: This book was designed for an iOS device and some features may not work as intended with a mouse or trackpad. To view this book, you must have an iOS device with iBooks 3 or later and iOS 5.0 or later.