Christmas Nativity (shoebox):

The grade ones at St. Monica School made a Christmas Nativity scene. Each student was asked to bring a shoe box to school with a lid. All surfaces on the shoe box and lid had to be covered with foil.

When students brought in their foiled shoe box and lid we cut the lids in the middle. We then made a crease and folded the lid in half so it made an “A” frame lid on top of the box. Students then sponge painted inside their shoebox with blue and purple. Once the paint dried they glued on foam stars for the night sky. Students coloured and cut out baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, shepherds and lambs. These were taped inside their shoebox and garland was used for ground cover.

We also painted a large nativity scene for our class. We covered a desk with star material as well as lights and garland.

Christmas Nativity (clay):

Students at St. Monica School made a clay nativity scene with the help of Debra Bryan, who is a parent/artist in our class.

We read a variety of stories about the story of Christmas. We then drew pictures about the story of Christmas and labelled them. Students shared and discussed their pictures with their classmates, teacher and artist.

Our artist Deb Bryan looked at all the student’s art work and gave positive feedback to the children. Students then brainstormed Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Gabriel, wise men, shepherds, Star, stable, gifts, donkey, horse, and turtle(?). Each student chose what they wanted to make.

Deb Bryan gave every child a ball of clay and a board to work on. She gave a demonstration of all the tools and what they were used for. Students were then given time to experiment with the clay and create their nativity form. The students enjoyed experimenting with all the textures and shapes used to create their art form. They especially liked the garlic press for the hair.