2014 Passover Projects

Kindergarten Seder Plates

Kindergarteners learned about the Passover story and the symbolism of the different items on the seder plate. Then, they used Sculpey polymer clay to create the seder plate items such as the egg, the bone, the bitter herb, and the parsley. Then, they used tissue paper and mod podge to decorate their plates. Mod podge is a glue that has a funky smell that some people love and others- not so much. As a result, we called this project "stinky art day!"

First Grade Saltwater Bowls

First graders used mod podge and tissue paper on ceramic plates to create these colorful saltwater bowls. The saltwater symbolizes the tears of the Jews when they were slaves in Egypt.

Second Grade Decoupage Saltwater Bowls

Second graders used a similar process of decoupage on their saltwater bowls, but they used glass bowls to create a stained-glass effect.  

Third Grade Passover Pillows

There is a tradition of reclining at the seder table so that you can appreciate your comfort in contrast with the discomfort of the Jews in slavery in Egypt.  These pillows help you do just that! Third graders drew, sewed, and stuffed their pillows.

Fourth Grade Millefiori Cane Elijah's/Miriam's Cups

This is an all-time favorite project. Fourth graders rolled contrasting colors of polymer clay together, then sliced up the resulting cane to reveal these awesome spirals. They carefully applied them to the glass.

Fifth Grade Op Art Matza Covers

Fifth graders learned about Op Art, an art movement that focused on optical effects.  They saw artwork by Op Artist Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley, then created their own Op Art pieces with fabric paint. If you look closely, they all read "Pesach" in Hebrew letters.

Sixth Grade Plague Dishes

Sixth graders created miniatures of the ten plagues, then glued them to a repurposed paint palette. They can use the small wells to place the ten drops of wine removed in remembrance of the Egyptians' suffering. The sixth graders were very creative and took some artistic liberties, including a  hamburger to symbolize cattle disease, a Pokemon to symbolize wild beasts, and sunglasses to symbolize darkness.

Seventh Grade Resist Painting Matza Covers

This was a new project this year, and I am so pleased with how they turned out. Seventh graders used resist fluid on white cotton banners.  The resist fluid is slimy, then it dries crusty... Needless to say, this was not their favorite part of the project! Then, they painted with fabric dyes. After a spin in the washing machine, the result of the resist is revealed!  The one with the waves has a very interesting story- the student wanted to symbolize the Nile River turning into blood. I love the ombre effect of the dyes on all of the fabrics! I will definitely be doing the project again. 

Eighth Grade "Throwback Passover"

This was also new this year- eighth graders could choose any of their favorite projects from kindergarten on. The most popular options were the Elijah's cups, Passover pillows, and plague dishes.

Second Grade Portraits 2014

Second graders created amazing self-portraits using black paper, bottled glue, and chalk pastels. We studied the proportions of the face with the guide below and the students drew with pencils first. The document camera was a great resource as we went through the process together, step by step.

I must add a sentimental note: As with many of the projects I teach now, this project was one that I actually did as an elementary school student. Thanks Mrs. Wright!

Seventh graders learned about African-American artist Romare Bearden, who used magazines and paint to create multi-media collages which often expressed his views on social justice issues. After serving in World War II, he focused his work on expressing the humanity that he found lacking during his wartime experiences.  In his early work, he also focused on the theme of collaboration and cooperation within the African-American community. Another of his subjects was the rich artistic life in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. He was a member of the the artistic group The Spiral, a group that promoted the responsibility of artists in the struggle for civil rights.

The students chose a social justice issue of personal significance and used magazines to create their social justice collages.