Fourth Grade

In their 4th grade year, students continue to develop their artistic and creative skills while learning, or in some cases reviewing, techniques in a variety of media including watercolor, tempera, and acrylic painting, printmaking, ceramics, and other three dimensional materials. The focus of their time in art is on the creative process, self-discovery, exploration, and experimentation. At the same time as developing their personal style, students review and enhance their knowledge of the elements and principles of art, building on what they learned in lower school. The integration of subjects is an important component of the year, with much of the work they do in art connected to science or to history. Because of the emphasis on community in the 4th grade year, students also participate in a group art project that becomes a lasting part of the school. Last year, students made community murals that now hang around the school. This year, students will be creating tiles that will enhance the gardens around the campus.

Our Curriculum is Inspired by...

Artists and Art History, Past and Present

Mission-Inspired Community Mural

After visiting the Mission district in San Francisco and touring the murals in that area with their classroom teachers and discussing the art of Diego Rivera and other Mexican Muralists, students returned to the art room to create their own community murals. Each class created their own mural design that focused on their experiences at MCDS. From friendship and diversity to sports and lunch, students worked collaboratively to express in visual form all that is special to them about their school. The murals are now hanging around the school.

Art From Around the World

Animal Effigies

For this project, 4th graders looked at examples of animal effigies from Pre-Columbian Mexico. These vessels were made in great numbers during this time and were often used in ceremonies. In many cases the animals also carried meaning, illustrating popular myths or representing the powerful forces of nature. After discussing these ideas and highlighting some of the common characteristics of these vessels, students chose their own animal to create out of clay. To connect their creation even more to the Pre-Columbian vessels, their choice was based on qualities that they found powerful. A swan, for example, stood for grace, a cheetah for speed.

Integrating With Classroom Curriculum

Classroom Portfolios

The fourth graders began their year with an intricate book-making project. Beginning with cardboard templates, they chose fabric, ribbon, glitter, and other interesting items to personalize their books. They then learned to sew a signature with a traditional binding stitch. Finally, after discussing the power of a hand print (beginning with the cave paintings at Lascaux), students traced their hands and created organic and geometric designs and patterns inside their cut-out forms.