Materials for creating self-portraits

An integration with mathematics, students measure the parts of their party, divide by 2 and use collected data to create a miniature version of themselves in a self-portrait. First collage, then drawing… Students first create collages of humans using simple geometric shapes. They then draw their collage and use details to enhance their art.  …

People in Collage

It is beneficial to allow students to explore an art medium before giving them a thematic goal or asking them to work with a specific content. After a collage exploration (which can last for one class or more) and a lesson focused on creating a shape collage, students will be ready to connect shapes to…

Paper Sculpture

How can you take something flat and change it into something 3-D? Students are prompted with this question and offered the challenge of transformation. Paper sculpture has a strong mathematical connection and allows students to understand form through hands on exploration. By taking a flat paper and rolling it into a cylinder, students see a…

Shape Collage

Collage is a meaningful experience.  It helps develop eye hand coordination and fine motor skills.  It creates a deeper understanding of shape, form and detail…and of course it’s fun!  You can vary your learning experiences during each lesson, while teaching collage through a variety of motivations. Today I am going to discuss the tried and…

Clay Fairy Houses and Geometry

How do you transform something that is flat into something 3-D? A clay slab can help you make that magic happen. A little rolling, folding, pinching, smoothing and voila! Such a malleable material, clay offers children the opportunity to create any shape, form or figure that they dreamed about last night. When studying geometric forms…