First Grade

Students learned the concept of a still life, where objects are arranged on a table and captured in a painting. Drawing inspiration from Cézanne's renowned works, particularly his depiction of fruit in still life compositions, students explored this genre using oil pastels and watercolor crayons to create their own vibrant interpretations.

In this vibrant fall project, first grade students revisited the basics of color theory—learning how to mix primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) to create secondary colors (orange, green, and purple). They also learned how to draw with form, giving their pumpkins a three-dimensional appearance. To add even more depth and interest, students incorporated texture through expressive brushwork and creative detailing. The result was a colorful, textured celebration of autumn and artistic growth.

This playful project allowed first grade students to reinforce their understanding of the elements of art—especially line, shape, and color. Using crayons and markers, students combined these elements to create bold, expressive Frankenstein portraits. While having fun with this spooky character, they also practiced important art skills and creative decision-making, bringing their monsters to life with personality and style.

Pop artist Jim Dine is famous for using hearts in his artwork. He painted and made sculptures of this simple yet powerful symbol. In our project, students shaped hearts using Model Magic and decorated them with shiny objects to add texture. We also learned about complementary colors, so we chose shades of green for our backgrounds, making the bright, colorful hearts stand out and "pop" from the surface. This project combined sculpture, color theory, and the expressive power of a simple shape.

First grade students explored the history and purpose of lighthouses, with a special focus on the many iconic structures along the New Jersey coastline. Inspired by what they learned, students began by painting textured paper, which they then cut and collaged to create dynamic ocean backgrounds. Using a step-by-step drawing process, they sketched their own lighthouses and added them to their seascapes through collage. The final artwork beautifully combines painting, drawing, and collage techniques to celebrate both creativity and coastal heritage.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, first grade students created bright and bold LOVE art inspired by pop artist Robert Indiana. They learned about his iconic LOVE sculpture and how he used simple shapes and strong letters to turn a word into a powerful work of art.

Using vibrant paint sticks, students designed their own versions of the word LOVE, exploring color, shape, and layout in true Pop Art style. This fun project combined creative expression, kindness, and design—with lots of heart!

Inspired by the book The Pout-Pout Fish, first grade students learned how to create sculptures using clay. They practiced fundamental hand-building techniques to shape their own expressive fish, exploring form and texture in three dimensions. Once their sculptures were complete, students painted them with special metallic paints to give their creations a shiny, underwater shimmer. This project combined storytelling, sculpture, and surface design in a fun and creative way.

As part of our Van Gogh-inspired unit, first grade students explored self-portraiture while reflecting on what makes them unique. After learning how Van Gogh often painted himself and created expressive works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, students created their own self-portraits—with a sweet twist. Each student paired their portrait with a treat that symbolized a positive character trait or something that makes them feel special. They also incorporated warm and cool colors to bring contrast and personality to their work. This thoughtful project combined identity, expression, and color theory in a fun and meaningful way.

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic sunflower paintings, first grade students created their own vibrant still life compositions. Using a combination of oil pastels, paint, and paper, they explored color, texture, and composition to bring their floral arrangements to life. Each piece reflects the bold, expressive style of Van Gogh while allowing students to unleash their own creativity. This project celebrated one of art history’s most beloved masterpieces through hands-on exploration and personal expression.

In this hands-on project, first grade students were introduced to the art of paper weaving. They began by painting and cutting their own paper strips, then used them to construct a loom. Carefully weaving the strips together, students practiced patience, pattern-making, and fine motor skills. To complete their compositions, they embellished their weavings with foam shapes and added a decorative fringe along the bottom. This project combined color, texture, and craftsmanship in a fun introduction to textile-inspired art.

In our first grade art journey, Vincent van Gogh takes the spotlight as our artistic muse, guiding us through landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. Along with exploring his captivating artwork, we also learned about his very tragic life and how his distinctive brushstroke technique brought movement and emotion into his paintings. Our journey led us to the wintry enchantment of Starry Night, where we studied cool colors and explored the elements of a landscape—like the horizon line, background, and foreground. This project invited students to immerse themselves in the magical depths of Van Gogh’s artistry while creating their own seasonal interpretations of his iconic scene.