My second graders have been learning to read maps recently, so I thought this would be the perfect time to create pirate maps. I showed my students many examples of pirate maps before beginning our project. We noticed that old maps are often very artistic. Often drawings of boats, flags, treasure, and other things can be found within the map. 
We began by tearing the edges of brown construction paper. Then students created a title for their map (The title could have their own name in it, or a fake pirate name). In the corner of the map, students drew a compass rose. Students then drew and named their islands. Finally, it was time for the fun stuff, the details. Students added treasure, ships, sea monsters, anchors, etc. Everything was then outlined with black marker. I had my students use oil pastels to color their map, but crayons would have worked too. 
When students finished their maps, I had students crumple their maps to make it look old and crinkly. Students absolutely loved the crumpling part. I told them that this was the only time I would allow them to crumple their art.
I found this basic idea on 
I began by having the students tear the edges of the paper to make it look old. Then students drew a few simple hills and other symbols on their page. Students then made their own animal stencils. (I did allow students to share their stencils after they were made). Students used their stencils in two ways. First, they used chalk to outline a few of their animals. Second, students used sponge painting as a different way to use the stencil. Lastly, I used a spray bottle full of paint to put their hand prints on the page.
For the most part, I really like the results. Next time, however, I will have them think more about placement of the stencils. Many of them became very random and cluttered. It would have been good for me to talk a little more about composition. Next time, I will perhaps talk about using their symbols and animals as a way to tell a story.
I know I just posted on a zoo project, but I thought I would share this variation on the same project. Basically, I had the students draw zoo animals. Then students used strips of paper and glued down for the bars for the cage.
We started with large green paper. Then I showed the students how to draw the 
I think this a great way to help students learn to draw big.
The little kindergartners just had a field trip to the zoo. They were so 
This project was a lot of fun, and the kids liked it too. I began this lesson by teaching students the basic proportions of the human face. Then students drew crazy wild hair styles.
I did this project in two different ways. In the first class, I had them color them. In the second, I had them leave it black and white. I am partial to the black and white version. However, coloring was nice too.
Some of my students decided to hide things in the tangle of hair. One student actually put a rat crawling inside the hair. I thought that was incredibly creative. Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of that one. Next time I do this lesson, I may encourage students to hide things in the hair.
On the first day, we took a balloon and taped on simple cardboard fins. Then we used strips of newspapers and dipped it into the paper 
We then left it to dry for about 3 days. On the second art day, we painted our fish. Mostly we focused on details. (They painted eyes, mouth, stripes, 