Birds of the Rainforest

Pre-K through Fifth grade students studied "Birds of the Rainforest" in this rotation continuing the theme of Earth Biomes.

Students studied the art of Henri Rousseau to see how an artist is inspired by a subject. Rousseau studied and created jungle environments even though he lived in Paris and had never been to a rainforest.

Pre-K and Kindergarten created parrots using a paper plate for the body. They made patterns and added tissue paper feathers to complete their birds.

Students in First and Second grades used construction paper crayons to create their beautiful birds.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth grades drew their birds and then painted them with oil pastels -creating a rainforest environment that was both fun and educational. The birds are currently on display throughout the school building.


Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade Projects

First and Second Grade Projects

Pre-K and Kinder Parrots

Biomes - Coral Reefs and Henri Matisse Paper Cuts

In the spring semester, students in grades Pre-K - 5 studied ocean biomes. The children learned about the world's coral reefs and studied the life and paper cuts of artist Henri Matisse. The paper cut "Beasts of the Sea" by Matisse was their inspiration artwork.

Livestock and Rodeo Art Contest 2012

Third, fourth and fifth grade students from Benavidez Elementary created sculptures for the 2012 Livestock and Rodeo Art Competition. Students researched their subjects and sculpted them in clay. They were fired in the kiln and then the children glazed their bisqueware. The sculptures were fired again and were put on display. All students were awarded ribbons for their Western sculptures.

Aboriginal X-Ray Paintings

First through fifth grade students studied Aboriginal Art of Australia. Students looked at photographs of dot paintings and "X-ray" paintings created by Australia's indigenous people. The children first painted their X-Ray animal and then created a pattern of dots in the aboriginal style. These works were great fun to make during the month of October.

Class Quilts Build Sense of Community

Students in grades 1 - 5 created "Class Quilts" using watercolor self-portraits. The students also studied pattern and design in the making of the frame for each individual face. In all, 36 quilts were made and displayed around Benavidez Elementary. Making these "quilts" created of sense of community while showing the individuality and style of each person.

Pre-K and Kinder Begin the Year with Study of Self

Pre-K and Kindergarten studied their own faces in a mirror. They looked at shapes, sizes, and positions of their facial features - eyes, nose, mouth, etc. The students then learned how to tear paper shapes and glue: - dot - dot - not a lot. The results -mosaic self-portraits.

Impressionist Exhibit At Houston MFA Leaves Impression on Art Club Kids

Benavidez Art Club Kids took an end of year field trip to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts to see the visiting Impressionist Exhibition from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Students viewed paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Seraut, Renior, Degas, and many other famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. The students studied both of these periods in art history and created their own Impressionist landscapes in pastels. Everyone had a wonderful time and were excited about seeing these masterpieces.