This is one of my favorite resources in my TpT store... Haiku Tunnel Books! This project uses postcards to inspire students to write their own haiku poem and turn it into a tunnel book. A tunnel book is a three-dimensional movable book that you read by looking right through the middle of it. Originally from the mid-18th century, tunnel books are enjoying renewed popularity … [Read more...]
How Full Is Your Bucket?
The books that inspired this lesson have nothing to do with art, and the illustrations were not what attracted me! What I LOVE about these books is their message. And what better way to drive home a great message than with a fun art lesson??! Inspired by a bullying episode at my school, I saw this idea as a way to make a difference, so I had to try it. I figured if even one … [Read more...]
How to Create Your Own Art Lessons Inspired by Children’s Books
If you love kids' art, you've probably had the experience of being totally charmed and inspired by a book written and illustrated for kids! And chances are, the book that captured your attention will have the same effect on your students... especially when your enthusiasm shines through! Why not capitalize on the wonder and magic of that special book and use it as the launch … [Read more...]
Lettering Waves
My inspiration for this project came from the book, Hand Lettering, by Marci Donley & DeAnn Singh. The authors call this "Writing Between the Lines", but we've renamed it "Lettering Waves" since we live in a surfing community where waves are a pretty big deal! I taught this lettering style to my middle schoolers and the results were fantastic! You'll find so many … [Read more...]
How to Play the Elements of Art & Principles of Design Memory Game
I'm always on the lookout for creative, new ways to teach my students the Elements of Art and Principles of Design (affiliate link). You may have played a version of this game before Recently, I attended a bridal shower where we played a memory game.... the "put-a-bunch-of … [Read more...]
Make a Value Scale
Understanding value, or the use of light and dark, is an important factor in creating successful drawings and paintings. Creating a "value scale" of their own was a great way for my middle school students to get the feel for including the full range of values before starting a major drawing project. I created my sample as a fold-out in my sketchbook (above), but I had my … [Read more...]
Thumbprint Self-Portrait
Here's a great idea I spotted on Pinterest.... I tried this lesson with my middle school students and they had so much fun with it! I originally used a copy machine to enlarge students' fingerprints. It was cumbersome and time-consuming. But then I figured out a faster, easier, and better way! For detailed instructions with photos, tips, writing prompts, a student gallery, and … [Read more...]
Grading Rubric for Middle School Art
I have a new teaching challenge this year... giving letter grades for middle school Art! My elementary school added a middle school this fall, so Art has become an elective for 6th & 7th grade, and letter grades go along with that! Fortunately, my very first teaching job was teaching Art to grades 7-12 at a college-prep Charter School, so I learned how to grade artwork and … [Read more...]
Keith Haring “Action Figures”
I found my inspiration for this lesson at Deep Space Sparkle. It's the end of the school year, and while this project looks fantastic on regular white paper, I needed to go a step further to really grab my 6th graders' attention! So, I created my sample on aluminum foil with colorful Sharpies. The result.... my students said this was their favorite art project this … [Read more...]
Designs with Number Patterns
This lesson is adapted from a math activity my own kids did in middle school, where they used colored string to "stitch" their patterns on card stock. I simplified this lesson for my students (4th grade and up), replacing the needle and thread with markers and a ruler.... Have you ever marveled at the fascinating patterns found in nature?? I like to … [Read more...]