Why we draw from observation.
“I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen…” –Frederick Franck An object, brought back from an adventure in the woods, is currently the focus of our observational drawing. As we
All posts in tools
“This one works the best.” Birdie
“A catapult is a thing you put one thing down and you put another thing down and you shoot something.” -Sevi Children have been returning to the catapults, constructing and reconstructing these levers to test
“Let’s measure!” Ray
Measuring the face of a boulder. Measuring the height of the table. Ray shoots a catapult and the objects flies. “It can go as high as the table. Let’s measure!” Ray “Let’s see if this is how
From dominoes to catapults…
A group of children began exploring machines with blocks. Creating imaginary vehicles, shooters, and electric powered motors, they discussed cause and effect. This pretend play gave way to two machines with very real, observable power.
Exploring a paintbrush
The paintbrush becomes a study of form and function as we create our own with natural materials found in the woods. “This is so soft. The feathers are smoother than the pine needles.” -Maren “It’s
“First you need scissors. . .” MAREN
We have been drawing our creations! Children are learning how sketchbooks can be tools to save memories of their efforts, to guide the reconstruction of their work, to show steps of their process and capture
Observational Drawing
Together in Studio Red, we are learning about the camera. Last week, we shared prior knowledge, experimented with the tool, and labeled its parts with a shared vocabulary. In these ways, children have extended their
“It’s not heavy for us…”
“It’s not heavy for us, it’s heavy for the stick!” “No, that won’t work. It’s too weak.” BIRDIE “Too long.” BEATRICE “Birdie, it feels like it’s getting heavy. Oh, it’s stuck! That’s why.” CHARLOTTE “Chester,
“So we will be using a camera.” CHARLIE
In Studio Red we do a lot of talking about tools. Together we develop ideas about both the physical and thinking tools we use to figure things out. Last week Ray requested to share his camera
“Rocks make the most big holes” and other discoveries.
We have brought clay into our studio! As children play with this material, they learn about what it can and cannot do. Through experimentation, they make discoveries. As they work, they share what they are doing