our sixth grade program
Art
Sixth Grade students start the year drawing self-portraits reviewing and applying the elements and principles of design – line, shape, form, space, balance and emphasis. Drawing skills and use of perspective are used to create detailed still life drawings. Incorporating knowledge from social studies, students design a circular lettering project using the word Mesopotamia. They learn about the history of Paisley designs from their beginnings in India to weavers in Paisley, Scotland, and their presence throughout fashion history; they then make their own flowing, colorful paisleys.
In conjunction with their studies of the ancient civilizations, students look at the lasting influence of Egyptian art, creating self-portraits in the style of Egyptian frieze art and making clay canopic jars. They study the symbolic and historical meanings of the imperial robe designs of China and interpret their findings by drawing and painting their own emperor or empress. They also create a Chinese take-out food container, complete with ceramic fortune cookies and wise advice.