Kindergarten World Airlines

Around the World 

Each year, the kindergarten students spend time in their classroom traveling around the world, learning about mapping, the seven continents, and focusing on a country within each.  We have been connecting with this world study in art class, making art in Brazil, Ghana, Japan and Antarctica.

Brazil

Collages inspired by the rainforest and the art of Beatriz Milhazes.

Ghana

Bead making 

In Ghana, there is a rich tradition of bead making.  Historically, beads were used as currency in Ghana as part of the slave trade.  Today, they have a much brighter role in daily life, celebrations, and economics.   Kindergartners discussed the patterns, colors, and shapes they saw in beads and thought about why people might wear them and pass them on.  Students learned that the beads are made from breaking down and re-melting discarded glass bottles.  They even were able to touch real beads from Ghana, thanks to Ms. Gallo!

Students made their own shoe charms and beads from clay.  The shoe charms were made by stepping on the clay to make texture!  After the clay pieces were fired in the kiln, students painted them and assembled them into necklaces along with other beads.  

Japan 

Koinobori (Carp Streamers)

In Japan, children and families make Koinobori kites as part of the celebration for Children's Day.  Children's Day is celebrated on May 5th, and is a day to celebrate children's strength, happiness, and personalities.  

Antarctica

Clay Penguins

After learning about Emperor penguins, kindergarteners sculpted their own penguins out of clay.   Glass beads were melted in their pinch pots during the bisque firing to create icy habitats!

Thanks to cassiestephens.blogspot.com, and thomaselementaryart.blogspot.com for lesson inspirations.