While I love creating new art projects to keep things fresh and interesting, some of the older projects are just so good, they’re worth repeating year after year…. which also gives me the chance to keep improving them! Kaleidoscope Lettering is one of those projects! It uses the concepts of bilateral (reflective) symmetry, tessellation, and positive/negative space to … [Read more...]
Christmas in July! Folded Paper Stars with Symmetry
These hanging stars are a hit year after year with my 4th graders. You can make these in any size you want.... the size of the squares you start with will determine the size of your finished stars. (When I teach this lesson, I use 12" squares in two different colors to demonstrate the folding and gluing steps on the white board. Instead of glue, I used tape rolls with low tack … [Read more...]
Basic Collage with Positive and Negative Shapes
I do this project with my first graders every year to help them understand the concept of positive and negative shapes. This project also teaches symmetry and offers important practice in cutting on a fold and applying glue. First graders are often surprised by the shapes they see when they unfold their papers - they are some pretty cute kids! Materials: 9x12 black (or … [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 introduce my students to … [Read more...]
Cursive Cut-outs
I posted this lesson awhile back as "Name Aliens", but I've since figured out a better way to teach this, so I improved the directions. As soon as kids can write their names in cursive, they're ready to create these whimsical creatures! To make "bugs", just add six legs instead of two! (Adapted from the book, "Paper Designs" by Jerome C. Brown)Can you guess what name this … [Read more...]
Kaleidoscope Lettering Design
Upper grade "Allison" , colored in warm colors with colored pencilsLower grade "Allison", colored in cool colors with markers (the same lettering, but traced only four times instead of eight!) Kids love to create interesting designs with their names... a fun project to start off a new school year and a great way to create motivation and make each project personal! Here are two … [Read more...]
Recycled Magazine Flowers
Here is another unique project that we used for Mother's Day cards, but would be fun to do anytime! I saw this featured on the One Pretty Thing site, from Family Fun. My 5th graders had a blast making these (even the boys, who usually resist anything to do with flowers!) and it gave me the opportunity to review the concept of radial symmetry. I even had parents ask me how we … [Read more...]
Happy Easter – “Stained Glass” Cross
This is a project I do every year with my Kinders for Easter. It requires a bit more prep than usual, but it's a great way to reinforce the concept of symmetry.... plus they look beautiful hanging in the windows!1. Fold a piece of 12x18 black construction paper in half vertically (lengthwise).2. Make a template for half of the cross shape and use a pencil to trace it onto the … [Read more...]
Cut Paper Symmetry “Pop-Out” Card
This is a fun card to make for any occasion... just vary the colors you use and the shapes you cut to suit the holiday or theme! The pop-out feature inside (see below) is an added bonus!Front of Card: 9” x 12” construction paper (this will form the “base” of your card)3” x 9” paper in a contrasting colorscissors and glue Fold the 9” x 12” paper in half horizontally, to form … [Read more...]
“Stained Glass” Ornaments
Don't miss this FUN project.... it's a hit year after year!! Students in grade 3 and up will love spreading Christmas cheer when they hang these glowing ornaments on their tree or tie them on packages to give as gifts. All you need is black construction paper, tissue paper in bright colors, scissors and glue sticks.... and the school laminating machine! 1. Take two … [Read more...]