We only have twenty days or so left in the school year so now my classes are writing for the joy of it and not for any test. Each year as a treat, the fourth graders paint with flowers using wild phlox which is full bloom along our highways. I'll bring the charred wood, the pecan tree bark, leaves and paper. The students will bring the flowers.Wildflowers are best. It is one of the assignments that all the children love and is great for babysitters to do with children to get them outdoors away from TV and video games. It is a wonderful activity for Vacation Bible School.
The children will sketch a tree or bush with charred wood. They then use bark to add character to the tree..the hollows and hills, the feel for the bark patterns on the tree. Following that, the children will crush wildflower blossoms and smear the color for highlights, grass, sun (some children feel the need to have a sun which is usually in the upper right hand corner of their paper. Finally, they will add a poem using carbon (a pencil) about their subject matter. This is a totally organic assignment.
So this weekend I'll be gathering the nature supplies and look forward to a relaxing hour each day of next week as we talk about the beauty of our planet.
PS. I had a wonderful compliment today from a second grade girl. As she left my class she said, "Mrs. George, I want you to be my mommy." Have a nice weekend everyone.
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