Lafayette artists are learning about the power of the arts to transmit joy, transform sorrow, change minds, and heal hearts! In Lafayette’s art studio classroom we are not only learning about the elements, principles and media of the visual arts, but are using the arts to gain a greater understanding, depth and richness of language arts, math, science and social studies curricula. We are hoping learning in and through the arts at Lafayette nurtures lifelong learners and creators!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Second grade and fourth grade curriculums embrace studies of the first Americans. I love teaching how Native Americans value the importance of beauty in functional objects and celebrate the spiritual in the everyday natural world! 

Each 2nd grade class studies a different region and habitat: from the Seminole to the Hopi to the Tlingit to the Kansa to the Iroquois… we explore how the everyday object contains aesthetic value and meaning.
A student from 2O smearing a coil onto a pinch pot in the Hopi fashion
Each Hopi pot unique… others made Iroquois cooking pots and Seminole mortar and pestles
and Plains Indian containers…
Seminole patchwork provides 2C a great opportunity to talk about patterning,
rhythm and geometric shapes!
Glazing our mortar and pestles in 2C

2N creates a Tlingit dance button blanket featuring
the power animal that represents their clan
… finding inspiration in the artwork of the Northwest Coast Native Americans
Fourth graders create a Kachina Doll in the tradition of the Hopi Indians to teach the school rules to the children. Each mixed media assemblage doll sports an elaborate headdress,
represents a spirit of the natural world, and possesses a spirit power.