Grump, Groan, Growl~

Last but not least. Another favorite post this past year was based on the book Grump, Groan and Growl. I picked this book up in one of those discount bins at a Walgreens. Copies of this book are still available if you are willing to hunt a few minutes on the internet. The book has few words per page and it really does not need many words because the illustrations are so interesting. I loved the thick black lines and it reminded me of the art of kindergarten. Or better yet, the art I wanted to see in kindergarten. 

I never put this book away or on a bookshelf because it is one of my top five books and I fear that I will never find it when I need it. Each time I see this book in my classroom, it reminds me of my reason for buying it in the first place. I purchased the book to push myself from art that is more about the product rather than the process. And this book was perfect for helping me teach these objectives:

(3)  Historical/cultural heritage. The student demonstrates an understanding of art history and culture as records of human achievement. The student is expected to:

(A)  identify simple subjects expressed in artworks;

(B)  share ideas about personal artworks and the work of others, demonstrating respect for differing opinions; and

(C)  relate art to everyday life.

(4)  Response/evaluation. The student makes informed judgments about personal artworks and the artworks of others. The student is expected to:

(A)  express ideas about personal artworks; and

(B)  express ideas about original artworks, portfolios, and exhibitions by peers and artists.

Because this project was a multiple step process that took a few days, we were able to discuss and evaluate our artworks and plan our next steps together. Some of us, including me, changed our initial pencil drawings a few times until we got it right. And we all learned that that was ok. 

I think this would be a great project for student portfolios. Each finished artwork is unique and usually shows the personality of each child. This would even make a great project for Parent Night. I learned through this project by pushing myself beyond patterns and cut outs that process art provides more opportunities for discussion, evaluation and problem solving.