Art as Morning Work

Every day, as kids walk into classrooms, teachers have "morning work" for kids to do.  It has to be something that kids are able to do independently, so that teachers can take attendance, gather any notes, and talk to the kids about things they are excited to share.  In our classroom, I try to change up the morning work assignment, depending on the day.  One day we might have our alphabet boxes out to work on.  Another day we might have a variety of puzzles to do with a partner or small group.  Last week, we introduced the art stations.  

We rolled out a big long sheet of white paper and added some markers for collaborative drawings.

We used the book Snowmen At Night as inspiration and used oil pastels on blue paper to draw snowy scenes.  We even added glitter for a special touch.

I love collecting drawing books.  This guy was so excited that I had a book showing how to draw cars and trucks.

I try not to do too many coloring books because I think that takes all of the creativity away.  But, this Christmas design coloring book was a fun addition.

My favorite art station is the solar system station.  A few books about space, some black paper, and oil pastels can inspire the kids to draw their own solar systems.

We have our Center time (free play) in the afternoon, most of the boys in our class gravitate toward the stations that involve building or imaginative play.  Most of the girls go toward horses, the doll house, or art.  By setting a theme each day for morning work, it encourages kids to try something they might not realize they enjoy.  There are a few kids who don't enjoy drawing because it's hard for them.  This is an opportunity to take the marker and make big marks on the paper or try loopdie loops.  This is the time to play with art.  On days when we do building stations, it encourages the kids who usually do art projects during free play to try out Marble Works or building a tower with blocks.  I love providing kids with this wide variety of opportunities.  We never know what they might LOVE to do!