Read on to discover the magic of the IPC art room:

We now have a regular theme/colour display table. Each week it is covered in a different coloured cloth e.g. Pink. The classes are encouraged to bring something 'pink' to add to the table. The children discuss the colour and identify the items displayed. A favourite is trying to guess what is in the coloured tins, usually coloured rice or pasta.

K1 has been introduced to the artists palette. We learnt how to wash and dry our brush before selecting another colour to use. This keeps our colours clean and bright. We have 'Free Paint' sessions allowing the children to explore the palette and create their own pictures without directions from the teacher. It is amazing to see what themes the children pick-up on and choose to reproduce. The use of palettes is continued in the Kindergarten classes. Another project is to focus on the storybooks read in class. Each child paints their own version of the characters. We have some very imaginative children!

All classes have been learning about paper mache. We tear strips of newspaper or kitchen roll and paste these onto objects. We use a mix of ½ water and ½ white glue. When dry we can paint and decorate our work. We have been using this technique to create our special 'Christmas Baubles' to hang on trees.

K 2 have been using paper mache to make our Snowman display. We scrunched up newspaper and taped it onto a cardboard cutout. We rolled paper into a carrot shape for his nose and into balls for his eyes. We covered the surface with paper mache and allowed it to dry before painting. I think you will agree he looks fantastic!

We have been learning about mobiles as a way to display our work. For Halloween we made 'Ghost' mobiles using tissue paper and rubber bands. Kindergarten 1 has made some lovely Christmas mobiles to hang their wrapped presents, snowflakes, bells and paper cup angels.

A new activity for this term is the study of grown up artists' work. We looked at some painting by Claude Monet. He used a technique of painting lots of dots to create a picture. We painted our own 'Dot Pictures' using cotton buds.

We have also tried finger painting with textured paint. There were quite a few quizzical expressions as the children realized there was sand and soap added to the paint. We discovered that the soapy paint was easier to use while the sand paint was rough and lumpy!

As you can see we have been very busy and there are plenty more fun things to create and explore next term. In the meantime, why not try some recycled projects with your children at home using Christmas wrapping, boxes and cards.

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