April 27th, 2022

Corrugated Cardboard Collages Continued 

Corrugated Cardboard Collages- say that 10 times fast! The latest in our exploration of collages, this provocation challenged children with small materials and limited, linear space. We observed the different ways each child approached the glue, the cardboard, and the collaging materials. For more information on the beginning of this studio experience check out yesterdays blog :)

Seon and Ellie were first in the studio. They each decided to add one glue dot and one material at a time. Seon persisted with this technique, and Ellie later opted for larger glue dots, using the paper clip as a guide when she added materials (as seen in the middle photo above). Emma chose an entirely different technique, squeezing the glue over the cardboard, and watching it pour into the valleys between the raised lines. She then chose to add a variety of red materials, carefully pushing them into the lined spaces. 

Seon: I did it. Look its a heart. There's so much different colors!
Ellie: These, I want these shells
Seon picks up the painted shells: Oooh it's pretty. It's beach shells. 
Ellie: I need some more glue. 
Seon adds fabric flowers to her design and steps back to look at it: It's amazing, it's amazing. 
Ellie: I added more shells. 
Seon: It's so cool! 

Isabelle and Mimi were next to join. Again, both girls were very intentional adding one glue dot and one material at a time. Isabelle was particularly interested in small leather strips that she flanked with colorful beads on both sides, whereas Mimi opted for translucent materials and shells for her second time with this provocation. 

Emma squeezing glue: Oooh it's like mustard. Im sticking it and I will stick this on and oooh. It's an easter egg to put on it. It's so pretty!
Isabelle: My mom's favorite is easter eggs. 
Emma: Oooh look at this, it's a snowflake.  We have the same glue. This (material) is so goldeny. It's like a little nose. I'm hiding treasures in my hands. 
Isabelle: Is it for your mom and dad?
Mimi: No, its for my Marte. 
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Louisa found a lot of joy in lining up the metallic materials. She began by gluing small dots that she filled with the oblong beads, but when she got to the second line, she decided to flood the area with glue and almost submerge the beads as she went. Louisa's collage can be seen in the top left of the photo below. Check out the above video where she explains her process! 

Weaving with Traditional Looms 

If you'll recall, last week we prepared painted strips to incorporate into weaving. This week, we have offered weaving on our small studio table in the classroom. The bright, spring colored materials quickly attracted the attention of several children including Bailee, who has chosen weaving as her first plan several days in a row.  We encouraged each child to thread the fabric and paper materials under the white string, and helped them to notice how it crossed the black strings. Many children, including Bailee picked up their weavings after each new thread to ensure that the materials were successfully woven in and not falling out. 

Ellie: I need to weave this.
Ellie tucked the ribbon into the loom.
Win: Under. Under. Under. 
Bailee: Green.
Bailee pick up the gold ribbon.
Ellie: No, that not green. 
Ellie began looking through the materials for weaving: I use this -terial, this -terial, -terial. Them feel. Feel in my hands.

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Fay: This (green ribbon) is too little. What about this tall one?
Bailee: That's like a snake. I want to try the yellow one. 
Fay: I want to try the green again. My mom's favorite color is turquoise and green. Look I already did this superfast. 

Video 1- Bailee and Fay explore the weaving techniques alongside each other. 
Video 2- Ford verbalizes some of his weaving processes and expresses joy and excitement when the piece stays together even when turned upside down!