I want to preface by saying I really enjoy 1st graders. They're so enthusiastic and willing to just experiment and be pleased with their results. In the images below, you'll see line paintings. This is a lesson that usually takes two weeks. The first week involves talking about the various types of lines, drawing them, and then coloring in between the lines. Of course, it isn't so simple as that. What I do is give them "rules" while they draw. For example, I might say 'I want everyone to draw three straight lines, and all the lines must be touching two sides of the paper.' It's a pre-assessment for me to see that they both know the various lines and to see how they organize their compositions.
The second week, students complete their coloring and then create watercolor resists. So, they paint with watercolor over their crayon. This allows me to review painting expectations and review texture. The watercolor and the crayon create a 'resist' because the waxy texture and watery textures 'don't like each other.' Really, it's my preferred way to watercolor with students because the colors come out so vivid.
This project is great for reviewing various art elements and concepts. I don't tell students how to organize their papers. I let them create impulsively and all the results are varied. To supplement this project I read the book The Straight Line Wonder by Mem Fox.
Until next time!
<3 Kate
