Making like Matisse!
Year 1 have been learning about the Artist Henri Matisse and in particular his abstract drawings and cutouts. In larger groups the children have been creating a large frieze, demonstarting their drawing and cutting skills as they have been producing their own cutouts to look just like those of Matisse.
Our focus on Henri Matisse linked with our topic theme work about Toys. Toys from the past and the materials that toys are made from. The children were given the challenge of creating a simple mobile toy with hanging shapes that resemble the cutouts of Matisse. It allowed the children to develop their skills further by encouraging them to work with a partner, come up with a design and then draw, cut and assemble their design. Each pair was given a simple sheet, showing a sequence of photos to follow, helping them to create their mobile without missing out valuable steps in the design process.
One particular child came up with an inventive idea and created their own paper loop to hang the mobile from. They were then given the challenge of showing others how to make them. What followed was a little creative workshop, carried out on the carpet, demonstrating super team work and children teaching and supporting each other beautifully.
