I like when I get to work on projects with the kids but sometimes the students are just about to start a new project OR the teacher in question would like to be present to be able to help with the creative process. In these cases, I have had the honor of coming up with my own lessons for a couple of teachers when they are out. Here is what I have used or created:
Crazy Hair Day The 4-5 grade students really like this one; I also have them add patterns and color
Envelope Animals: (Kindergarten and First grade)
Before class starts I write out the words Dog, Cat, Bird and Fish on scraps of paper. I put one piece of paper into each envelope. When the students come in to class, I explain that they each get to have one envelope and they have to create the animal on the scrap of paper found inside using the envelope and scrap construction paper. They LOVE the surprise element by not knowing what they are going to create until they get their envelope! I then show them how they can do this. First they have to cut out the shapes they need; they can use the envelope as a face or body. The flap can help shape the nose of a dog or cat and the beak of a bird. It can be the fin of a fish as well. The students have a lot of fun creating their animals, and they take about 15-20 minutes to make. Crayons are good to make the time run longer by having the students add details. In most cases they ask if they can do more than one. Depending on the amount of time and materials I usually say yes! This project is a good one to help the students learn cutting skills as well as shapes.
Positive Pinwheel: (3-5 grade)
Before class, cut paper into 9-10" squares. When the students come in, show them how to create radial symmetry so that there are 4 triangles, 1 going to each corner with the wider end at the edge of the page. In between there should be larger gaps. In each of the smaller triangles, have the students bubble letter a positive word about themselves (like kind or good friend or smart, etc.) In the larger areas have the students create a pattern, the same in each. The students can then color the words and the patterns. I usually have the students pick 2 sets of complementary colors for the words and one set for the patterns. They can then alternate these. After they are done, I usually have the students outline their work in a dark color or black marker. This project takes about 30 minutes.
Bouncing Ball optical illusion: (5-8 grade)
Before class cut paper into 9-10" squares. Have the students trace 3 or 5 circles on to their papers in a random way. Some of the circles can go off the page. Then, show them how to create radial symmetry and have multiple lines coming out to create a star burst effect, have the lines go BEHIND the circles. It looks better if the point is off to one side as well. Then, have the students create a spider web out of the radial lines. Split the circles into thirds in 2 directions (this will make them look like spheres). The students will then color the web in with cool colors and the sphere will colored in with warm colors alternating to create a checked-like pattern. This project will take about 30-40 minutes.
