2nd graders recognizing warm and cool colors

Today the second graders were shown warm and cool color palettes. One of the classes had begun the last lesson looking at facial expressions, and we were attempting to get across an understanding that colors can express emotion too. While most of the faces were not as successful as we had hoped, it motivated a change in approach. So today's 2nd grade class were shown the color palettes and asked to paint a 12" x 18" sheet of paper using only cool colors. When they completed that, they were to paint one using only warm colors. They were to practice blending and making brush strokes, while also keeping the paint on the palette clean. I used these sheets for the display outside of the art room, with the anticipation of removing them once the project hey are intended for – the Emotional Face Collage – progresses into its later stage. The point being made with the display is that artists use colors to express emotion.