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Cirque de 2nd Graders

To most people this would probably be a colorful mess of pipe cleaners, felt, feathers, and beads.  To my second graders and me, it's a circus!  I know I have already posted about how amazingly creative children are, but everyday they surprise and inspire me with their ideas.  

For our sculpture unit, I introduced Alexander Calder's Wire Circus sculptures as inspiration.  I taught them how to make basic animal and people forms and from there our circus was born.  We had tight rope walkers, ring masters, monkeys, tigers, and this adorable elephant.  I absolutely love the blue feather ears and the curled trunk.  

When they made their people and animals their own, I went against all teaching logic and it felt wonderful!  I spread out a plethora of supplies and got out of their way.  We structure so much of our students time with activities, projects and lesson plans that are incredibly detailed.  I'm not denying that structure and detail are necessary parts of life.  I'm just hoping that I can strike a healthy balance between structure and free rein.