Stained Glass Creations Surface in 3rd Grade

Third grade students learned all about Frank Lloyd Wright and his unique American architecture during their Integrated Learning and Information Sciences time in the Kovler Family Library.

Students read Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright turns Heartland Into Homeland by Barb Rosenstock and learned about Wright’s life and the inspiration for his architecture style. They looked at pictures and videos of three famous Wright buildings in the Chicago area: Robie House, Wright’s home and studio and the Unity Temple.

Students connected what they learned about the architect’s style and the focus on shapes to what they saw in the buildings and designs. Then the class focused on stained glass windows designed for the Avery Coonley School playroom. Wright designed the stained glass for younger students using colors and shapes that students would recognize and connect with. Parker’s 3rd graders studied pictures and thought about why younger learners, such as JK and SK students, might connect with the colors and shapes. Then, students considered how they might design stained glass windows for JK and SK students. They used Google Draw to design and make their stained glass templates, then used the laser cutter in the TIDES Garage to cut out their designs. The final step was adding color with tissue paper.

The result was beautiful art that showcased not only a dazzling array of colors but the warmth and growth of these young minds.

Click here for photos.