Owl Collages

I love, love, LOVE children's books! I'm drawn to the illustrations mainly, but a good story is always amazing too! But the illustrations, now, that's what brings the story to life! I was awestruck when I found out about this gem of a book:

It's just too cute! A little owl falls out of his nest and desperately tries to find his Mother with the help of a few forest friends. The story is simple, but the colors used in the book will blow you away! So bright and graphic. Look for it here on Amazon.

See what I mean?! I knew I had to create a lesson for my Elementary students with this book! I wanted to go out and purchase the book instantly! The only problem? My local book store didn't have a copy available and I couldn't wait for shipping. I hopped on YouTube, hoping that someone put the book up online. Even better, I found an animated version of the story! My students loved watching it. I got several requests to watch the video over and over again. It's even in a different language. The voice acting is incredible, but unfortunately, there were no translations! Thankfully there were other videos on YouTube that showed the English translation! It took some work, but I added subtitles to the video. The students didn't seem to mind reading the subtitles.

I had a huge box full of scrap construction paper and I had an idea. Students could create their own Little Owls with construction paper. I spoke with the students about color theory (not too in depth though!) and overlapping and collage. I did this project with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders and here are the results:

One stipulation I had with this project was that there were NO PENCILS allowed to draw elements before cutting them out. Earlier in the semester (I'll post about it soon!) we did a Matisse project where we learned to 'draw with our scissors' in the style of Matisse. I wanted the students to stop relying on the pencil and the eraser and just create what was in their minds. In hindsight, could have added more structure to the lesson, and really stress layering different shapes to create a forest background.

However, I think that these projects came out great! Especially because this was a one class period project. These students created these AMAZING COLLAGES in around a half hour! I'm so pleased with the results!

P.S. I'm developing an obsession with owls now!

Welcome!

Hello! I'm so glad you have stumbled upon my blog! My hope is to create a blog that catalogs my adventures of art through my teaching and self exploration. I plan on posting on inspirations and how I relate that into the classroom! 

First blog posts always seem a bit awkward! But, I figured you should know a little bit more about me, so, here goes: 

My name is Layna Williams. That's me to the left (big glasses, bangs, and wearing either a huge necklace or scarf).  I am currently in the process of completing my year-long Student Teaching Internship as a part of Michigan State University's Art Education program. I have had an amazing experience at both of my placements in the Lansing, Michigan area! Last semester, I was placed in the Lansing Public School District at Lewton Elementary and Mt. Hope Elementary. This semester, I am placed at Grand Ledge High School in Grand Ledge, Michigan. At the end of this semester, I will become K-12 certified in Art Education. I'm so excited!

But that's not my entire life!  I also volunteer at REACH Studio Art Center in Lansing, where I get the chance to hang out and create art with very inspiring and creative youngsters! I work primarily with Creative Connections, which is a free after school program for youth ages 7-12. I absolutely love it! Last year, I ran REACH's Art Truck where myself and a fellow artist traveled around to different locations each day bringing new and exciting art projects to participating youth. I also work at the Lansing Art Gallery (LAG) on the weekends. I get to see some amazing art, and speak with even more amazing artists and patrons! I've even had the honor of running summer art camps via LAG. 

I'm a busy lady, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Creating art brings me joy, but teaching others about art brings me even greater joy! I hope you stick around, check out my blog every so often, and get inspired!