3rd-Peacocks

3rd: Peacocks

3rd graders explored the fantastic peacock bird for their first project of the year. We learned that there are different names for the male, female and baby peacocks. (Peahen and Peachicks). We also learned that these fabulous birds can fly and the peahens are not as colorful as the males. We looked at some different works of art by different modern artists. Each artist had painted a peacock differently. Some were representational and some were more abstract. Some peacocks had warm colors and some had cool colors. We discussed what the birds reminded us of. Many students said the warm colored birds reminded them of dragons or fire. Some preferred the more realistic cool colored blue and green birds. 

After exploring so many peacocks, students were excited to create their own. I did a step by step drawing of a basic peacock. We drew a giant "letter S" to begin. We then added the tail, backwards "C" for head, and a back. Students added an eye and feathers. I had students trace the pencil line with sharpie marker. We discussed various ways to create texture (feathers) on the birds. I was proud to see so many creative ways students did this. Students also added backgrounds. These were, for the most part, simple. I told students that the peacock was the "main idea". Just like in paragraph writing, it was important that the background just support the peacock and not distract from it. The color was added using crayola broad tip markers. Students then added water with paintbrushs to spread the marker ink. Students could add oil pastels, marker and watercolor paint to the background. 

Amazing job 3rd grade!