in explanation

In a quick explanation of my previous post - Wayne Rooney (Man Utd.) scored with a superb overhead kick against Manchester City in a derby game. Tonight is probably the Premiership decider. Currently City lead at half-time 1 - 0.
Apologies to the non-footy fans amongst you.

roonbot

A quick doodle of a very athletic 'bot doing a 'Rooney'. Hopefully his namesake won't repeat the feat tonite!

more clay



Today we made labyrinths out of clay - we've been studying Theseus & the Minotaur this week in Literacy. We went along with the tenuous premise that Ancient Greek tourists might want to buy a souvenir after having visited Knossos in Crete!

This is a pic that shows stuff we've got drying. Luckily we have a corner in our classrooom where we can leave it undisturbed for a while.

coil pots

Yesterday we made pots using coils of clay. We smoothed the sides using that expensive and highly sophisticated piece of equipment called a lollipop (popsicle) stick! We left the bottom and insides as they were both for decorative purposes and to show how they were originally constructed. We'll be decorating them with black painted designs when they are dry.

dinosaurs

One of the children and I are currently collaborating on a small book. It's an attempt to get him writing and seems to be working! He chose to do a book about dinosaurs as he's mad keen on them. We take it in turns to do an entry. When we've finished it will be added to our class reading materials. My entry for the book today was a pop-up.

peggy revisited

Had this one on the back-burner for a little while and have just completed her. She has knees! But I'm drawing the line at elbows!! Her joints are held together with embroidery thread and vintage buttons and she measures in around about 12cm tall. Not sure whether to give her eyes or leave blank.

more 'bots

Have been scribbling some more 'bot pics. Seem to be having a thing at the moment for a little 'bot who yearns to fly - but without much success!




Looks a bit steam-punkish with those goggles on.

thumb pots

We're doing the Ancient Greeks this term so in art we had a go at making some clay pots. We've started off with thumb pots (or pinch pots if you prefer) and will be going onto coil pots. Unfortunately we haven't got a kiln so are having to use air-drying clay - am sure the pots will still be reasonably serviceable though. We'll varnish them to add a bit of protection 'cos they can sometimes be quite fragile.

The children thoroughly enjoyed getting their hands dirty (literally!). I've reminded them that aprons are a very good idea!

new term

Back from hols and deepest, darkest France. The 'Chateau' is coming along nicely. We managed to do a few jobs but also found time to relax a bit - the family needed some down time!
The dining table (made from a cut-down set of bunk beds) acquired a top (pine floorboarding) and was christened at a very pleasant supper with friends round. Like an idiot I totally forgot to take any pics! It still needs edging to neaten it off, so that's my excuse. I'll take some when it's completely finished, promise. The weather was a bit mixed but that didn't stop us getting out and about. Poitiers, our nearest big town has undergone a big paving over, not necessarily improving it in my opinion. Managed to visit a local brocante but didn't pick up any bargains, although the prices this year seemed more realistic than previously - Les stallholders have probably decided it's better to sell at a reasonable price than not to sell at an exhorbitant one- let's hope the same pricing strategy holds for the summer!
Art tomorrow in school so, if I remember, there might be some pics to brighten up the next post.