Issue 51

Spring Bundle

March 2022
d e e p s p a ce s p a r k l e .co m
 What’s Inside
3 Letter from Patty

4 Spring Bundle

6 Recommended Books

8 What’s New

Article: Student Milestones in Art:

10 Third, Fourth & Fifth Grade

12 Seasonal Favorites

Sparkler Spotlight: Ivory Ross’

14 Tips to Creating a More Relaxing and
Peaceful Art Room

What’s Inside a Sparklers’ Club

16 Lesson with Special Needs Adaptations

20 How to Enroll

21 Teacher Features

22 March Calendar

2 Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle

Hello Sparklers!
Is there anything more
delightful than seeing
the first array of tulips in
the market baskets? Or
the hint of a warmer wind
to encourage an open
window?
If your winter has been
long, disruptive or utterly
exhausting, cheer up
Buttercup ... spring is
upon us!
While winter will continue
to tease us, we can control
our environment, say YES to
Spring and usher in a new
season in our art room.
The Creative Team has can be considered for next
offered great suggestions month’s art shows.
on bundle picks that will
Team Sparkle is compiling
meet most art teachers’
an Art Show Bundle this
requirements. Short on
month with access granted
time? See Heather’s pick on
to everyone to help you find
page 12. Ready to dive into
the art resources you need
spring with gusto? Check out
quicker than ever. Look for
an Earth Day-appropriate
favorite on page 13. it in your My Bundles feed
later this month.
This might be the last month
for a consistent schedule
before the field trips and
Sparkle on, ~Patty
assemblies cause chaos
PS. Meet Catherine, the newest
in your schedule. So finish
member of Team Sparkle’s
up those projects that are
Creative Team in the What’s
almost complete so they New section on page 8!
Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 3
 Spring Bundle
Excitement is in the air as spring returns. The weather gets activity or class discussion. You
warmer, buds appear on the trees and birds sing happy tunes. can teach the lessons without
This Spring Bundle embodies the sights, smells and joyful the included SEL component,
feelings of spring with happy lessons that feature umbrellas, but it’s there if you want to
blossoms, bikes, caterpillars, gardens, butterflies and rainbows. integrate it along with the
You’ll also find that these spring projects include a variety of spring theme in your art class.
printmaking techniques to explore with your students. If you’re
feeling like it might be time to shake off any “winter blues,” Access the
we’ve also included Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Connections Bundle Here
on the third page of every bundle lesson that include a book,

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 Lessons and Resources
Essential Question: How can the season of spring influence artists to create?

Resources
• K-2 Worksheet: What Bugs Me?
• 3-7 Worksheet: Seeds & Trees Word Activity
• Collagraph Printmaking Training Video
& PD Certificate
• Special Needs Adaptations
• Slide Decks (for every lesson and within the
lesson posts)

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 5

 Children’s books are a
great way to introduce ...
and help teach Social Emotional Learning to
your students. Since the Spring Bundle is all
about SEL, we’ve curated a book list to pair with
the lessons that feature powerful concepts in kid-
friendly language.

Caterpillar and Bean by Martin Jenkins

As an educator, you’ve probably noticed the
explosion of growth that happens throughout
the kindergarten year, but have you ever given
your little ones the opportunity to reflect on their
own growth? In the Caterpillar and Bean Plant
lesson, students have an opportunity to do just
that. They can connect how both the caterpillar
and the bean plant in the book grow and
change over time with how they are growing and
changing too. Talking about how learning new
things can be a bit scary or intimidating at first
before they are achieved can also help build
confidence and even start your youngest
students on the road to self-awareness.
Kindness is a Kite String: The Uplifting
Power of Empathy by Michelle Schaub
In the Embroidered Burlap Kite lesson, we’ve
incorporated both engaging fiber arts techniques
and the theme of kindness. The book will take
students on a journey that begins with a child’s
simple act of kindness that causes a ripple effect,
reminding us that the more we practice kindness,
the more we can uplift others. The accompanying
SEL Connections page in the lesson offers an
extension activity that encourages students to
continue sharing kindness by carrying out
random acts of kindness, which will
extend learning and spread kindness
well beyond the walls of your
classroom.

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Here’s a complete list of
our favorite book selections
to supplement the SEL
focus found in this month’s
Spring Bundle.

Seeds and Trees by

Brandon Walden Caterpillar and Bean
by Martin Jenkins

The Extraordinary Gardener

by Sam Boughton

Kindness is a Kite String: The

The Big Umbrella by Up in the Garden and Down in Uplifting Power of Empathy by
Amy June Bates the Dirt by Kate Messner Michelle Schaub

Abracadabra, It’s Spring! by Fletcher and the Springtime

Anne Sibley O’Brien Blossoms by Julia Rawlinson
Rain Before Rainbows by
Smriti Halls Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 7
 SEL Connections
We’ve added Social-Emotional Learning
(SEL) Connections pages to all of the
lessons in the Spring Bundle, which
feature concepts like kindness, growth
and inclusion. The SEL Connections page
includes additional extension activities for
each lesson, as well as the accompanying
SEL Competencies and questions you
can ask students that align with those
competencies. These pages are designed
to help you seamlessly intertwine SEL with
art and have all of the planning and legwork
already complete.

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Meet the newest
member of the
Creative Team,
Catherine Jones-Whitman.
Next Month’s Bundle
Catherine lives in Virginia
Get ready to celebrate Earth Day with the
and has over a decade of experience in
Ecology & Conservation Bundle. Featuring
art education: in the traditional classroom,
timely topics like recycling, composting
museums and most recently, a residential
and plastic pollution in the ocean in a
treatment facility for students with
kid-friendly way, this bundle creates the
neurological differences and severe trauma.
perfect opportunity to focus on our impact
Not only does she bring that diverse
on and connection to the natural world
background, but also a passion for infusing
around us. Many lessons in the bundle have
cultural relevance and connection into the
interactive elements that will keep your little
art room. We’re so pleased to have another
artists engaged even after art class is over.
voice and contributor on the Creative Team
This bundle is STEAM-focused, so each
and we can’t wait to expand our content
lesson has additional STEAM Connections,
with her on board.
featuring STEAM standards and additional
activities that you can use to expand the
lesson content.

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 9

 Student
Milestones In Art
Third, Fourth & Fifth Grade
grade students. This second installment is
Written by: Amy Clay geared towards third, fourth and fifth graders.

Part 2 of a 3 Part Series

Third Grade (Ages 8-9)
Read Parts 1 and 3 HERE
Third graders are capable creatures. This is a
Even with standards and a plan,
magical age in art-making. These kids are skilled,
it’s hard to know exactly where
love to learn and are still young enough to enjoy
a student should be at in their development
books for transitions in art. Picking projects for
at a certain age, and in turn, where to guide
this age group is fun, since they can adapt to
them to next, not to mention the wrench that
lessons for either younger grades or older grades.
the last couple of years have thrown into both
Start the year off with easier projects and build
our expectations and realities in the classroom.
the level of difficulty as the year progresses.
However, from my observations, many students
still tend to follow the same general path as
Third Grade:
their art skills develop.
• Uses foreground, middle ground and
In Part I of the Student Milestones in Art
background to create the illusion of space.
series, we covered developmental stages and
expectations for kindergarten through second- • Begins to understand basic color theory, using

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 both warm and cool colors and tints and Fifth Grade (Ages 10-11)
shades.
By the time children reach fifth grade they
• Draws based on observation of objects or are able to focus quite well on a variety of art
scenes in daily life. subjects. They are very much aware of who is
“good” at art and perhaps might downplay
Fourth Grade (Ages 9-10) their own abilities. The trick with this group is
to keep challenging them with cool techniques
Children in the fourth grade are beginning to
(they LOVE perspective) but it must be taught
gauge their artwork based on comparisons
effectively so everyone is successful.
to the artwork of their peers. While you can’t
cater to every child, keep lessons varied and
interesting all year long. Kids this age are
eager to learn to draw anything … keep them
interested by teaching lots of new
techniques.

Fifth Grade:
Uses one-point perspective to create the
illusion of space.

Can handle a variety of ceramic techniques.

Creates drawings from observation

using contour lines.

Fourth Grade:
• Can weave, create coil pots and build papier
mâché forms.

• Loves to draw realistic things like animals Interested in Learning More?

and buildings. Download our free PDF guide of detailed
• Uses shading to create the illusion of form on Developmental Milestones in Art for K-8th
a two-dimensional object. Grade HERE.

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 11

 Heather’s March Bundle Pick:

Substitute Plan
2.0 Bundle
As spring approaches, school schedule disruptions
tend to increase, whether it be field trips, assemblies or testing. No matter
what the cause of the disruption, you’re probably in need of some quick
lessons that you can pivot to on a dime. The Substitute Plan 2.0 Bundle
is my March pick because not only does if offer an amazing framework
with the customizable substitute binder insert for preparing for days that
you need to be absent, but it also features quick lessons using minimal
materials that can be used at any time, even when
you’re in class. The draw-along lessons in the bundle Access the
also feature videos that you can play for students or Bundle Here
share with a substitute as a link.

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Preparing for Earth Day:

Natural World Bundle

The Natural World Bundle is a great choice to help
Access the
celebrate all of the wonders of nature with your
Bundle Here
students, making it a perfect bundle to open this month
in preparation for Earth Day in April. Featuring animals
and insects galore, from the more common like beetles
and butterflies to the more unique like rainforest sloths,
this bundle has a bit of everything. As a bonus, this bundle
features lessons inspired by classic children’s books like the
Brown Bear What Do you See? lesson, which is a perennial
favorite, along with several Eric Carle-inspired lessons.
Lessons in this bundle range in complexity from the
simple material Beetles & Bugs lesson to the layered,
painted paper Spring Bird Collage.

Teacher’s Advice from the DSS Sparklers Facebook Group:

Bundles to Unlock as a New Member

Team Sparkle recently asked our Sparklers’ Club members some of their favorite bundle
picks that they would recommend to open first as advice for all of our newly joined
Sparklers. We loved their perspective and wanted to share with you some of the top
bundles that were suggested. Here are their picks below:

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 13

 I V O RY R O S S
Sparkler since: August 2017

1. Houseplants Create a Happy Classroom

Ivory suggests creating a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere in
your classroom by designing an oasis where the indoors and
outdoors meet. She brings plants into her classroom and each
plant has been given an art-themed name. She also keeps her
oil diffuser on and has photos of her children around to create
a home studio feel. She changes the scents in her oil diffuser
based on the season and her students really take notice. They all
If you’re feeling tired of feel relaxed and at home in the space because of these loving
the stress of being an art touches.
teacher, compounded by the 2. Let Go of Time Restraints
winter blues, you’re not alone.
This year especially, Ivory has let go
Warmer weather and longer
of the time restraints on projects.
days are around the corner
She used to try to do every project
and you might be ready for a
in two sessions but she’s relaxed on
spring pick-me-up.
that and she has noticed how it’s
This month’s Sparkler really benefited her students and the
Spotlight, Ivory Ross, is a quality of the artwork they produce.
single mom of four from Napa, Ivory wants her art room to be a place
California. From motherhood where her students can express their
to teaching, Ivory knows how emotions and feel freedom to create.
to organize and juggle many
things at one time. No matter
how organized one can be,
the burnout and exhaustion
that come with teaching and
parenting is amplified during a
pandemic, so Ivory is sharing
her top three tips to create a
more relaxing and peaceful
art room.

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3. Incorporate Music
There is always music playing in Ivory’s classroom. She’s found
that by playing instrumental versions of popular songs the noise
level stays low because the students recognize the songs. Her
students hum along and if the music can’t be heard then voices
in the classroom are too loud.

We’re so happy Ivory shared her tips to create a more relaxing

and peaceful art room with us. We hope this inspires you to
incorporate some of her ideas into your creative space, whether
you teach in a classroom or virtually.

Lastly, Ivory recommends that when life gets overwhelming,

finding even 30 minutes to create will make you feel so much
better. Have you made time today to be
your creative self?

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 15

16 Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle
Each Lesson is Designed with You
and Your Students in Mind...
Recent bundles within the Sparklers’ Club feature a Special Needs
Adaptation resource document. The goal of this document is to make the lessons
accessible and successful for all students in your classroom. The Nerve Cells lesson
within the Exploration and Discovery Bundle is one of four selected lessons chosen from
each bundle to provide adaptation solutions. Included are adaptations that can be made for students
with multiple disabilities, visual impairment, physical & mobility impairment or cognitive & learning
impairment.

Adaptive Art Symbols

Lesson modifications designed
with a wide range of students’
needs in consideration.

Modifications
Four lessons chosen from each
bundle that provide student and
teacher-friendly lesson adjustments.

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 17

 A Look Inside a
Full Lesson
Lesson Cover
Suggested Grade Level, Time
Needed, Topics Covered and
Materials

rds
Standa

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 Lesson
Easy-to Vocabulary
Instruc-Follow
tions
Lesson
uts
Hando

nSlides
Lesso

“I Can”
Statements

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 19

 How to Art rooms are a special place
... and YOU get to design the JOIN THE WAITLIST

Enroll: experience for your students.

Not a member? Here’s
how to join us …
We provide the sparkly paths
so that you can show up and
Questions?
Contact Customer Support:
do what you do best. Teach. support@deepspacesparkle.com
Connect. Engage.

20 Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle

 Want to be Featured?
Share your students’ artwork
with us on our DSS Sparklers
Member Facebook group or tag
us on Instagram:
@deepspacesparkle.

Frog Prince
Artwork By: Kathie Graham Thomas’

first & second-grade students
Fairy Tales Bundle

Winter Tree Silhouettes

Artwork By: Karen Palmer’s
third-grade students
Epic Shape Bundle

Sparkle Magazine © Deep Space Sparkle 21

PRINT
ME!
March
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNE

Bundle Looking for

books to rea

Polish Folk Art

Day! Read A
Ame
Flower Lesson

6 7 8

Michelangelo Piet Mondrian’s

Buonarroti’s Birthday Birthday

13 14 15

Past Podcast Pick:

Learn How to Raise
Daylight Funds at Your Next Art
Saving Time Show AME 113

20 21 Yayoi Kusama’s 22
Birthday

It’s SPRING!

Vincent van
27 28 29 Gogh’s
Cézanne
Painted Pear Lesson Birthday

Blue Heron Lesson

h 2022
ESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

2 3 4 5
r some art
ad today?
Past Podcast Pick:
How to Prepare
Across Great Art Picture Books
for a School Art Show
erica for the Art Room AME 148

9 10 11 12

16 17 18 19
uch
Addriangtoto your
of spart room
Watercolor Tulips
St. Patrick’s Day Lesson

23 24 25 26

Cherry Blossom
To Do: Landscape Lesson

Find art show helpers

and make master plan
n
30 31
 OUR MISSION
We want ART CLASS to be an inspiring space where teachers
ENCOURAGE art exploration, connection and creativity.

© D E E P S PA C E S PA R K L E
support@deepspacesparkle.com

1222 State St. Ste #250


Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Sparkle Magazine is a publication from

Deep Space Sparkle© and Patty Palmer
Editor and Design: Rebecca Hoepf
Graphics: Alexis Watters and Rebecca Hoepf
Photography Contributor: Kelly Sweda
Content Contributors: Heather Sparks, Amy Clay,
Melanie Maricic and Mabre Lencho-Armstrong