March was busy in my classroom for many reasons. Spring is desperately trying to emerge. The bikes are back on the playground, and I got a ride on the double bike. Whee!
We’re in a frenzy in the best of ways preparing for our annual Art Show. I introduce art as if it is to be revered – because it is. First, I show children major works of art – slowly – commenting on how the artist painted the piece. Then I stop, as if I discovered something remarkable; I look at a child and say, “Wait! Tommy, you could do this!”
Every child is excited, and there are shouts of “I can, too!”
How? With real artist paints in tubes squeezed onto pallets, and wearing berets, children have the tools and the inspiration to paint like a master artist.
But there’s one more thing… the inspiration. Music.
I bring in my old record player and put it on the floor. “What is it?” The guesses are a suitcase or a box, or (when opened), a gate. Readers, I wish you could be a fly on the wall when I turn it on. A red light! The turntable spins, and when I rub my finger under the arm, the sound is loud.
There are no words, just spellbound children watching the ‘newest technology on earth’. When I pull out a record album and tell them, “This is music”, they don’t understand. Then I play the music (I played Beethoven’s Ninth and Meet the Beatles), and children are over the moon. We listen, identify instruments, and dance. Then we sit down. I tell them something important, and I say it with passion:
“When you hear music, it goes into your ears and into your brain. Then, it goes straight into your heart. When you paint, it shoots out of your fingers like fireworks, so you can create a masterpiece.”
Yes, that’s exactly what music does. Before children painted, they voted on the music they wanted to hear, classical or rock and roll.
Rock and roll was the vote
We began to paint, and paint, and paint. Starry Night is a favorite, yet looking at the painting is far more important than actually painting it. We can’t get enough of Starry Night!
Perhaps the favorite art has been painting in the style of Piet Mondrian. A piece of cardboard, dipping the edge in paint, was perfect for making those black lines. We have explored Pointillism, Impressionism, Cubism, Sunflowers, and making the Eiffel Tower with coffee stirrers. I must say, the children’s art is truly beautiful.
Next, each child names their framed ‘masterpiece’. It’s a powerful way to put meaning and importance to their hard work. After all, isn’t there a title to every major work of art?
Stay tuned for the art!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I appreciate how you use “adult stuff” to engage students. You make them work!!!!
Yes, I do, and because it’s “adult stuff”, they want to work. Win-win.
The children in your class are incredibly fortunate to have you as their teacher!!! ♥️
Thank you for your kind words.
What a wonderful multi-faceted learning experience. I cannot wait to see the art!
Thank you, Beth. The art will be ready at the end of the week. I wish you could be a fly on the wall as I proudly show each child their masterpiece and ask them to give it a title. It’s one of those great teaching moments.
Those are priceless moments
Yes, they are.
I never tire of reading about this amazing project. These kids are so lucky to have been introduced to music and painting at this age!
Thank you, Darlene! It is one of the best annual events in my classroom. I will never tire of introducing music and painting, with real tools from paints to record albums. Today the first child named his masterpiece, and as he explained it, I was choked up.
I hope we hear more about that. 😊❤️
I’ve seen this art show, Jennie, and I was impressed! You work hard, and the children work hard.
Yes, you have seen the Art Show! I was thrilled. It meant a lot, Dan. Like you, I am always impressed (and often surprised) at what children can create. All they need is encouragement and the right tools. This year is no exception.
If only you could be the first teacher of every small child on this planet, the world would be a better place immediately.
Best wishes, Pete.
My goodness, Pete, I am humbled. “Thank you” seems way too small. Please know I am deeply appreciative of your kind words. Best to you.
Fabulous stuff Jennie 💜💜
Thank you, Willow! 💕
It’s that time of year again! With all the digital avenues for listening to music, really our own portable record player with instant access to records to play renders the most ‘instant gratification’ IMHO. Anyway, enjoy these moments with your classroom kiddos, Jennie! (I know you do!)
Yes! Well said, Laura. You have a wonderful way with words. Will do, and thank you!
I love the way you introduce the children to the masters and art. I remember when I brought the record player to school. My grade 2 students were in awe. They kept wanting to call the records big CDs. I am looking forward to seeing their masterpieces, Jennie.
My kids used to call them big CDs, too! It’s wonderful what a record player and albums can do. Thanks so much, Carla! We’re putting the art together over the next few days.
You truly are the best teacher. Your kids are so lucky. So much fun and love in your classroom.
Thank you. 🥰
I love the ‘modern technology’! I watched you sit on the ground with the kids and wondered how you got up again! Oh to be young.
Oh yes, getting up again off the floor…. not easy or pretty for the faint of heart, or for this 73-year-old. 😂 I love the ‘modern technology, too. Thanks, Jacqui!
My daughter put her kids art up in the front hall as a gallery complete with prices when they were little. Great fun!
What a great idea! Yes, great fun.
Featuring and elevating importance to their artistic efforts is a great thing, Jennie. “Framing” their work as special is a special kind of reinforcement towards encouraging creativity.
Beautifully said, Bruce. Thank you.
It sounds fantastic, and a wonderful way to teach art and experience painting and doing art projects. I can’t wait to the see your post of their works.
Thank you, Deborah. I’ll post the art in a few days.
Looking forward to it. 😀
Wow! Jennie, you are truly inspiring and no wonder their art is exceptional! You show them how to reach inside their hearts and souls, give them confidence that they can express themselves through their art! Wonderful! Xx❤️
That is so nice, Annika. Your words are heartfelt. Thank you! 🥰
I love your turntable and the fact that the children can connect to the music. Seeing a record go round and round and hearing the result has to stimulate the creative side. Thanks, For sharing.
You are spot on, John. They think it is the coolest tool, and of course it really is. Connecting this to music, win-win. Many thanks!
😁
Can’t wait to see the paintings!
Soon! 😀
You bet I’m staying tuned for the paintings! Coincidentally, I’ve been writing microfiction and poetry inspired by music the past couple of months, when I’ve felt the need to play.
Hooray, and thank you! I’m excited to hear about your writing inspired by music. Wonderful, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie! I’m not sure what I’ll be doing with the microfiction inspired by music, but for now, I’m just having fun. 😀
Good! 🙂
🙂
Have a great art show! It’s wonderful you expose your students to different works of art and artists, not to mention having fun with them and showing other objects from the past. My grandmother used to translate printed material to Braille with her specialized typewriter. I was always fascinated by this strange language when I was little and asked her to get out her Braille typewriter on most visits.
Thank you, Pete. It’s all about exposure of all types. Children soak up art and music, and cool tools, like a record player. How fascinating that you remember your grandmother’s Braille typewriter. Who has it now?
I wish I knew.
Jennie you are a wonderful teacher. The children must be enjoying your class. Thanks 😊
Thank you, Kamal. Children enjoy my class!
Yes can surely understand. Always welcome Jennie 😊
What a lovely way for children to learn about the different forms of art. That’s great!
Thank you! It is a highlight every year.
“We have explored Pointillism, Impressionism, Cubism, Sunflowers, and making the Eiffel Tower with coffee stirrers.” ~ A program which would vastly improve most college level art appreciation classes!
That’s so nice to say, and frankly true. Every year is different; this year children loved the art of Kandinsky and a few replicated his art. Young children aren’t inhibited, so their art is often remarkable. I’ll post the art on Saturday. Thank you!
great
I adore kid’s art. It is original and unencumbered with meaning! Just delightful
I agree! I’m hanging the art today. So exciting!
What a fun March in your classroom, Jennie. I can’t believe another year is almost over. Have a beautiful April!
Yes, so much fun! Time is flying! We hung the art today. Gorgeous! Post tomorrow.
🙂