Global Art ~ Art projects from around the world! {review}

Gryphon House is an award-winning publisher of early childhood resources.   They recently sent me the book Global Art written by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Jean Potter to review.

 

Global Art has won 3 awards already!

• Benjamin Franklin Award
• National Parenting Publications Award
• Parent's Guide to Children's Media

I knew we needed more art in our lives,  it was just all the planning and preparing and getting sidetracked and overwhelmed as I looked for ideas on the internet.  I also never knew how to choose which projects we would do. I was head over heals when I found out I would receive this book.  What a great way to tie in art and geography/ history together.

The first thing I noticed about this book is the organization of it.  There are about 136 activities throughout the 7 chapters.  Each chapter is based on a particular continent.  Going over the 7 continents: 

1. Africa
2. Antarctica
3. Asia
4. Europe
5. North America
6. Oceania (Australia and the South Pacific)
7. South America

There are a few icons used throughout the book.   Every project has the applicable icons.

• One for experience level of the artist.  (this one really helps with knowing how difficult the project might be)
• One for the art technique used, such as painting, sculpture, collage, and more.
• One for planning and preparation.  This one is great for procrastinators planners like me.  
• There is also a caution one, so if you child is trying to do some on their own, they would know there are dangerous tools that need to be used, such as a hot glue gun.

Each project has a materials list, the process – detailed out, step by step, as well as a brief little history of either the project or the continent, along with a simple map of where the continent is located.  Sometimes variations are noted.

The short and simple history summaries gave just enough information, that it still felt like art class, while wetting your appetite to dive into learning more about each country.

I really appreciated the uniqueness and simplicity of some of the projects.

 

Katey and her friend made these colorful baskets while learning about Barotse, Zambia, Africa.

 

Katey, Tyler (my 4 year old) and their friend also made these Crystal Watercolor Snowflakes while learning about Antarctica. 

Some other projects they have done or we have planned are the Scarab Stones, Egypt, Africa- which they turned into a tic tac toe set for outside, Karesansui Mini Garden – Japan, Sand Paintings, Navajo, Native American, United States and more!

At first we just jumped in and began doing the projects that interested us.  We have recently began our geography studies for 3rd grade and I will be tying some of these art projects into it. 

 

You can also see how this book falls in line with your state standards if you are concerned or curious about that!

 

Global Art is sold by Gryphon House for $16.95 and is recommended for Kindergarten through 5th grade.

 

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