Decorative Eggs (In-School)

Grade(s): 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Location: In-School

Duration: 1.5 Hours

Teacher Provides: Water, paper towel and desk covering

Volunteers: 4–6 recommended

Booking Requirements: School must book two programs on one day with a lunch break in-between. If booking three programs in a day, school must provide a room that classes can rotate through for the full day. Please note that if requirements cannot be met, in-school programs may not be possible for your school.

In ancient times, eggs symbolized new life and birth. In Ukraine, egg decorating is a treasured art passed down from generation to generation. Pysanky comes from the Ukrainian word “pysaty” meaning “to write”. Designs are written with beeswax on a raw, white egg. Between 2 or 3 successively darker dye baths, more wax writing is added to cover up and preserve each colour in the final design. After the program, adult volunteers can warm eggs in a school oven and wipe off wax to reveal the completed design.

NOTE: Teachers booking this program MUST guarantee assistance from adult volunteers to ensure the safety of all students! This program requires the use of open candle flame and hot wax. Our art instructors have the right to cancel this program if your school art room or classroom has multiple tripping hazards, sloped desks or insufficient adult supervision. Safety for your students is our utmost concern!

This program is available one month prior to Easter and only two programs per day are offered, one for morning and one for afternoon.


Curriculum

  • Art 
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 
  • (2–Art) Communicate with visual symbols using a variety of media and techniques 
  • (2–Social) Traditions and Heritages across Canada 
  • (3–Art) Use art to express feelings and ideas; look closely and focus on improvement 
  • (4–Art) Develop realistic treatments, refine form and express feelings and ideas 
  • (5–Art) Play with shape; use abstraction and distortion; minimize material and effort in  
  • (6–Art) Explore more complex art procedures; express themselves and refine artwork 

 


Student Outcomes

  • Create a message in artworks through the use of patterns, signs, and symbols
  • Create art for enjoyment
  • Creates, values, reflects upon and appreciates the cultural aspects of art

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Teacher Feedback

My students loved the field trip. There is a good mix of teaching about the history and hands-on activities.

Holy Cross SchoolGr 2, “My School – Past and Present” at Little White School and “Work and Play” at St. Albert Grain Elevators

Perfect project to complement our learning in Science.

Wild Rose SchoolGr 3, “Metamorphosis” clay program - Art Gallery of St. Albert, St Albert Place Studios

The presentation was engaging and informative. It fit in wonderfully with our kindergarten curriculum and was a positive and meaningful experience for my students.

Windsor Park SchoolKinder, “I Belong” in-school Museum program

These were valuable and engaging programs for the students. They enjoyed learning a new skill and at the river lots they were encouraged to think critically and reflect carefully.

Leo Nickerson SchoolGr 5, “Learning from the Land” at the River Lots

My students loved it and couldn't wait to go home and show their creations!

Ecole HillgroveGr 5, “Needle Felted Owl” – Art Gallery of St. Albert, St Albert Place Studios

This program was fantastic. The students loved the opportunity to be in council chambers.

Albert Lacombe SchoolGr 6, “History of Local Government” Museum program

I have done clay projects with you for as long as I can remember. Once again, everything was AMAZING! We have a new grade partner this year who had never been, and she absolutely loved it! The instructors are always excellent, They explain and guide the students in manageable chunks to make it easy for the kids to follow along. I love that you allow extra parents to come and assist. I especially like that the projects are always connected to the curriculum! Thanks again.

Bishop David MotiukGr 3, “Nunavut Kayaks” Clay Program

The Peru and Indigenous Peoples of Canada program perfectly connected Gr 3 Social Studies content with some Gr 4 Social Studies content. We had lots to talk about after.

Lynnwood SchoolGr 3/4, “Peru and the Aboriginal People of Canada” Museum program

The instructor was amazing. She engaged the students in the Métis culture. The activity was hands on and informative.

St. Edmund SchoolGr 4 “Metis Contemporary Beading” Gallery Indigenous In-School Program

Amazing program with a knowledgeable instructor who engaged my students and me too! Thanks so much for offering this field trip.

Connections for LearningGr 3 “Tipi As Home” – Museum Program