Welcome to Your Gifted Learner. My name is Robin Norgren, M.A. and I am here to help make Montessori philosophy more relevant in the classroom.
The Cutest Paper Puppet Projects to Give a Try
These are the cutest little projects that scream "happy" and "joy Joy" - which one will you start with first?
Supplies needed for the paper bag puppets:
- paper lunch bag
- acrylic paint (color of your choice)
- colored cardstock paper
- scrapbook scissors (optional)
- markers
- circle punches (optional-we used a 3-inch, 2-inch, 1 1/2-inch and 1-inch)
- scissors
- glue
CLICK HERE for full instructions
Taking On Paper Mache in the SWEETEST possible Way
I was searching for a fun way to really engage my students with a 3D project. As a kid I loved paper mache! My classes are only 30 minutes long and I have limited storage space so I need an idea that was pretty compact and could be completed fairly quickly. And look what I found!
CLICK HERE for full instructions
An Outdoor Activity that combines art and Nature
Did you know that there is a really fun way for kids to be creative and bond with nature? Yes it's true. Your beautiful tree can be transformed with an invitation to art walk the afternoon away. Here's how to get started:
Supply list:
~ Index cards, or cut paper into small rectangles
~ Some string to tie onto the index cards
~ Handwritten or printed drawing prompts
~ Two small containers, one for the notecards and one for the prompts
CLICK HERE for details on how to create this organic masterpiece.
The Time Comes When you Need a Quick Cubist Project for Elementary Kids
A little bit of a fun twist on our art friend Pablo Picasso. Have fun with this fun exploration of cubism.
Materials:
copy paper
black sharpie
Marker/crayons/colored pencils (you choose)
CLICK HERE for full instructions
All the Cool kids are making abstract art
So... this is abstract painting 3.0 with all the beautiful colors and vibrant patterns. This is an invitation to play in color mixing and sparkle of inspiration.
What you need to begin:
~ Heavyweight watercolor paper or drawing paper (we love to paint with tempera and acrylic on heavy 200# watercolor paper, but it’s easier to find 140#)
~ An assortment of tempera paint colors (we literally never use paint straight from the jar without mixing lots of beautiful shades)
~ Paint Brushes
~ An assortment of painted papers or sticker paper (instructions to follow)
CLICK HERE for the instructions.
What Do you Do with Water Soluble Wax Pastels?
Can you believe these are created with water soluble crayons? I bet coloring leaves could be a beautiful meditative process. Pick up some water soluble crayons and give these a try.
Super fun way to play with Wire - 3D Art project for kids
This project is one of my favorites and the results are amazing! It gives each person in your group the opportunity to really shine with their individual preferences.
Supplies for Cupcake Liner Wreaths:
~ Craft wire~ Cupcake liners (I also buy the mini ones)
~ Hole punch
~ Pony beads
~ Wooden beads
~ Buttons
~ Straws (IKEA has good ones, or Amazon)
~ Felt pieces, paper scraps, any small bit you can punch a hole in
~ Yarn (optional for pom-poms)
~ Pom-pom makers or make your own with cardboard
CLICK HERE for the step by step details
How About Making Puffy Paper Hearts
My teenager (yes the one who inspired Josey's Art school is now 14!) decided that we should create a Galentines Day party for her and 3 other friends. I adore the idea of celebrating friendship!
So this is one of the ideas on the agenda: puffy paper hearts - cute, right?
Pretty easy project to pull together and a great way to decorate for the party as well.
Check out the tutorial over here
Patchworks Houses and conversations about Community
photo credit
Whether we are studying shapes or community helpers, the little never grow tired of talking about the place they call home. Talking together and making decision in their art projects about what details they would like to be a part of their conversations is always super interesting.
Over on this site, I have found a beautiful for you to create with your family or with a group of friends who want something fun and creative to pass the time.
a peek at a potential set up: photo credit
Some materials to gather (links support Art Bar website)
Supply list:
~ Cardboard
~ Fabric scraps (or just cut up paper: old art, newspaper, colored paper, etc.)
~ Buttons (or any other collage bits and pieces)
Self Portraits make me giddy
One of my favorite projects to see on Instagram is the self portrait. These little peeks into the mind and hearts of the littles is such a hopeful burst of energy to my spirit. One of my favorite tutorials on how to help facilitate a project like this one is from over on this site.
The key is to give the students a simple template for them to create within. Some of the fascinating research done on this exercise includes insight to the size of eyes, ears and other details.
Make sure to go and check out the discoveries: CLICK HERE
Crafternoons for Kids and Adults: Egg Carton Owls
I don't of a better way to kick start our crafternoon series than with these incredible Egg Carton Owls! I mean, you don't need to be a kid to enjoy this delightful project. Grab some girlfriends, add some coffee (or wine) and enjoy the fun!
All you need: egg cartons, scissors, glue & paint or markers
1. Cut off the base of the carton & cut as shown
2. Cut wings from the side 3. Cut feet from the top
4. Glue the two pieces together
5. Stick on buttons for eyes
6. Colour & decorate your owl :)
1. Cut off the base of the carton & cut as shown
2. Cut wings from the side 3. Cut feet from the top
4. Glue the two pieces together
5. Stick on buttons for eyes
6. Colour & decorate your owl :)
Want to find more fun projects like this one?
Yoga and Easy Vegan Recipes Day 3: Thai Pumpkin - Coconut Soup
Thai Pumpkin Coconut Soup
Ingredients:
2 cups or 1(15-ounce) can pureed, cooked pumpkin
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
2 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon miso
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red curry paste, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Place pumpkin, coconut milk, and stock in pan. Warm over medium heat until just about to boil. Remove from heat. Mix in miso, curry paste, and sea salt. Sprinkle cilantro over top.
Notes:
Makes 4-6 servings
100 calories, 1 g protein, 7 g carbs, 7 g fat, 2 g fiber, 296 mg sodium
Yoga and Easy Vegan Recipes Day 2: Veggie Breakfast Burrito
Find Day 1 : CLICK HERE
Veggie Breakfast Burrito
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 small zucchini, finely diced
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 tablespoons minced kale spinach or other leafy green
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
6 eggs (or tofu)
1 teaspoon water or milk
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
4 large (burrito size) or 6 medium whole grain tortillas
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup salsa
Instructions:
Heat oil in skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in onion and saute 5-10 minutes or until soft. Stir in zucchini and corn. Cover and Steam 5 to 10 minutes until zucchini is tender. Stir in greens and cilantro. Beat eggs with water or milk and nutritional yeast. Pour over vegetables. Let mixture sit for one minute. Gently push egg mixture around skillet until firm.
Warm tortillas in dry skillet or oven for a minute or two until soft. Place egg mixture in canter of tortilla. Top with avocado slices and salsa. You can also add sea slat and black pepper if desired. Fold tortilla around filling as follows: fold bottom up, fold in one side, fold in other side, fold top down. Place fold side down on plate to keep it from unrolling.
Notes:
Makes 4-6 servings
Calories: 428, 18 g protein, 39 g carbs, 21 g fat, 6 g fiber, 595 mg sodium
Yoga and Vegan Recipes Day 1: Tomato Herb Omelet
When you finally decide to stop making excuses, MAGIC Happens...
I was 5 days into 2020 and ALREADY not meeting my resolution of yoga every day. Why? Obstacles. It's ALWAYS about obstacles. I would get an alert on my phone. Why couldn't I just click the alert on my phone and start? Because the screen is too small. So I would wait, pull out my laptop, wait for it to boot. Then scroll to my notifications and find the video, move the laptop to the location where my mat was and..... now can you see the POTENTIAL for ow many times I was diverted, distracted or just plain FORGOT what I was doing!!!!
So I admit it. Three days went by with NO yoga. And then I had ENOUGH. Leave the mat on the floor ready to go. Stop it with needing a larger screen! Just practice.
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And now what to eat:
Tomato - Herb Omelet
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 tablespoon water or milk
10 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half (or 1-2 regular tomatoes, sliced)
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or green onions
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (dairy or non dairy - optional)
Instructions:
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Beat eggs with water or milk until completely combined. Coat pan lightly with oil or butter. Pour in egg mixture. Lay tomato slices evenly in egg mixture. Sprinkle herbs and Parmesan cheese over top. Cook until set. Fold omelet in half as you remover from the pan.
Notes:
makes 2 servings
1 serving = 254 calories, 18 g protein, 7 g carbs, 17 g fat, 1 g fiber, 479 mg sodium
Notes:
makes 2 servings
1 serving = 254 calories, 18 g protein, 7 g carbs, 17 g fat, 1 g fiber, 479 mg sodium
AVAILABLE NOW: Scripts for your K-6 Drama Programs
Introducing Josey's Art School First Script for your school to perform:
There’s an Ostrich in our House
Synopsis:
Olive's two older sisters love to tease her. When they try to convince her that she's actually an ostrich instead of a little girl, it's pretty hard to believe at first. But the evidence is all there: her toes are big, and her legs are long. The feathers she finds beside her bed the next morning settle it, and Olive heads off to the farm to find her real family. The ostriches welcome her with open wings, and this sweet and naive heroine's joyful acceptance of who she really is will have audience “bawking” with laughter.
Cast of Characters:
Olive- the loveable and naïve Heroine who attempts to understand her true identity in her family
Lottie- the older sister who is used to being the leader of the family
Stella- the middle sister who likes playing tricks on Olive but also wants to be on Olive’s side when Lottie take things too far
Mom-loves to read and sing and also lets the sisters work through their squabbles
Dad-he is a busy man who takes time to sit with the family at mealtime
Farmer Joe- proud Ostrich herder with an easy going way about him
Brown Ostrich-fun and quirky like an ostrich should be
Gray Ostrich-beats the drum in the same fashion as Brown Ostrich
Ostrich #3- a fun follower in the shenanigans
Ostrich #4- a happy follower in the shenanigans
Show runs approximately 20-25 minutes. Opportunities to incorporate singing and dancing. Facts to help actors and actresses to get into character.
This program would be enjoyable for K-4th grade
This script has prompts for where to add music and dance to evolve the script into a musical. The program also includes information to help your players get into character.
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