Maxwell Kramer- Art Teacher

Pre-K and Kindergarten

Through the titles “ Little Blue and Little Yellow” and “Pezzetino” by Leo Lionni students are beginning to create collages. We are experimenting with new materials including tissue paper and glue sticks; and asking questions about the characters students see and invent.

1st grade

Using the letters in their own names and the illustrations of Chris Van Allsburg's “The Z Was Zapped”, students are investigating the multiple meanings of art terms “line” “shape” and “color”

2nd grade

Second grade classes are beginning their exploration of the Queens botanical garden through the plants that flourish in October. Students will use colored pencils and tempra paint to express their understanding of the shapes and colors that can be observed in Roses, Aster flowers and Mexican sage.

3rd grade.

Third grade students are beginning their investigation of architecture around New York City; starting with the tallest buildings in Queens. Students will draw and paint images containing foreground, middle ground and background and represent the specific shapes of the skyline tower and the Altice Building (formerly Citibank building)

4th grade.

June 3rd has been confirmed as the date for our upcoming trip to Rockaway beach. This year we are partnering with the “Share the Shore” organization to investigate themes of environmental stewardship and public art. In October, students will do a visual study of four different bird species.

5th grade,

5th grade students are combining techniques for drawing with pencils and painting with watercolors to represent multiple images of the Brooklyn bridge at different points in history; contrasting the skyline of the early 1890’s with the architecture that can be seen today.

The Year Ahead- Visual Art

Pre- K through 1st grade classes will build knowledge and experience with various tools and techniques, focusing on the formal elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, form).

2nd through 5th grade classes will study units that teach the uses of artistic media to express ideas. We will use Art, artifacts, and architecture from in and around New York City as inspiration for our projects.

Below is an outline of the content that classes will work on this year; details may be subject to change.

5th grade: Bridges in New York City:

Examining bridges through drawing, painting, and sculpting. Students will learn about the architecture of bridges as well as the histories and cultures of the neighborhoods they connect.

4th grade: Jamaica Bay- Rockaway Parks Conservancy:

Investigating environmental stewardship through drawing, painting and sculpting. Students will learn about the social impact of public art.

3rd grade: Buildings in Queens and New York City:

Exploring historical and contemporary architecture through drawing, painting and sculpting. Students will learn about specific neighborhoods and why buildings look the way they do.

2nd grade: New York Botanical gardens:

Discovering the intricacies of botanical imagery through drawing, painting, collage and sculpture. Students will learn about the visual characteristics of specific flowers, and the cultural programming presented by botanical garden institutions in our city.

1st grade: Elements of Art and Design

Extending students' understanding of the elements and principles of art and design through drawing and painting. Students will deepen vocabulary and practices that describe the work of various artists from history and today.

Kindergarten: Pictures and stories

Establishing work habits and vocabulary through drawing and painting. Students will gain exposure to images of important artworks and children’s books as inspiration for their own work.

Pre-K: Shapes, colors, and characters. Gathering experiences with printed media, art materials and the routines of an efficient art class. Students will develop their fine motor skills and practice sharing classroom space with others.