Festive Trees

I was thinking about how much I love the simplicity and honesty of Folk Art and it gave me the idea for this holiday tree lesson.
 These were made by Kindergarten students.  It's basically printmaking with a cardboard tool and using your fingers for the ornaments.

Process:

1. Show them how to make the basic tree shape by creating a mountain or a triangle shape with the cardboard tool.
2. Use the same cardboard tool to fill in the tree.  I actually have them say all together "press, lift, press, lift".  Otherwise, they may forget and start using the tool like a brush.  Once we say it a few times they remember.
3. Next, yes, here it comes...finger painting for the ornaments.

Tips:

• Demonstrate using one finger for each color.  Finish one color of ornament, then move on to the next color, etc.
• Demonstrate leaving plenty of space for the ornaments,  otherwise, they may fill up the tree completely.
• These are about 8x10 or so and we finished in one 45 minute class period.