Circles

Exploring lines and shapes has led us to the circle. One of our friends pointed out that a circle is a line that curves. We also realized that when two ends of a curved line meet it makes a circle. Lines that are straight that connect  make the letter A or any of the straight line letters. Lines that curve help us make the rest. This is the foundation we lay .  We explored this through different mediums to help develop all the skills needed for future writing and reading. 

 

We traced  circles using our overhead projector and used brightly colored pastels to fill “inside” the circle. The next day we colored “outside” of the circles.

Some of our friends traced circles of different sizes on the back of some of our previously painted artwork to create a wall of circles. Our dot wall keeps growing! 

Paint and paint brushes were used to free hand all these beautiful circles. When it was dry the children used a different color to go around each circle providing more opportunity to develop those fine motor skills and hand eye coordination needed for a future of writing and of making amazing art!

For this activity we approached making circles in a bit of a different way. The children traced various sized circles and taped them to a large piece of paper. Then they painted over the circles . When the circles were removed we saw that underneath there were unpainted circles underneath. For some it was the first experience with the concept of negative space in art. It was a surprise to see a circle there even after we removed the circles!

We wanted something to add to our circle corner that would add dimension. We found a branch and decorated it using pastels and colorful pom poms. 

We read the book “From Here To Infinity” about an artist named Yayoi  Kusamaho who creates art using dots. Circles for days, circles everywhere. She creates installations she calls infinity rooms. Our circle corner pays homage to her. She is a true inspiration. Her Infinity room titled “Love is calling”  is at the Tampa museum of art now through February. If you get a chance check it out.