Given the unavoidable prevalence of death in the world, the author writes that she finds it interesting that teachers devote little if any class time to the topic of grief. Teachers often avoid talking about recent losses, cloak death in metaphors and euphemisms, and feel discomfort around grieving students. Yet death still comes to classrooms.…

The author discovered artist Eleanor McCain's work on "Dear Ada," an art blog he follows. McCain makes brightly colored art quilts using various rectangles and squares. She creates visual "pop" by using these shapes in a variety of sizes and bright colors. There is an interesting spatial "push and pull" that happens when looking at her quilts.…

The process of finding inspiration for a class project is fascinating and intriguing. In this article, the author describes a class project inspired by the gyre, a widespread circulating rotation or vortex of ocean currents, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This particular gyre is the location of an enormous floating mass of garbage,…

Article describes a kindergarten class project. (SP)

A novel way to do figure drawing using materials that are readily available, author details how class did half life-size portraits which were later printed. (Author/CB)

Purposes of the described project were: to relate one subject area to another; to encourage students to think imaginatively in all subject matter; and to combine intellectual skills with the physical. (Author/CB)

Five different art activities, using different media, are described: (1) "mystery molds," using plaster and discarded packaging materials; (2) "calico cottages," using boxes and fabric; (3) "foam friends," using plastic foam packing pieces; (4) "bauble boxes," using spray can tops and papier mache; and (5) "soft stuff," using old clothing. (CJ)

Presents simple instructions for 15 mixed media art projects for the elementary grades. Part one of this series, listing 18 other techniques, appeared in the September 1979 issue of Instructor on pages 145-49. (SJL)

Children use wallpaper and paste to fashion their very own hats and baskets. (GB)

Presents suggestions for introducing children to collage. (RK)

Provides a lesson for grades four-six that develops students' ability to analyze a piece of furniture as a work of art which reflects the historical, social, and artistic values of the society that produced it. Students design their own chair based on the user's lifestyle, the chair's precise use and location, and the materials used. (LS)

Explains a method of block printing using styrofoam shapes to make high relief. Describes the creation of the block design as well as the actual printing process. Uses a range of paper types for printing so children can see the results of using different media. (LS)

Teachers help children to experience art by challenging their fifth graders with the responsibility of an art project. (Author/RK)

Presents a lesson that introduces students in grades K-three to medieval tapestry and how tapestries can symbolically communicate stories. Students design their own tapestry based on an allegory written by the class. Provides background information, instructional strategies, and activities for student evaluation. (LS)