Students (and teacher) will see how with just one set of directions, everyone in the classroom will come up with very unique works of abstract art.
By Andrea Mulder-Slater
This lesson is based loosely on an exercise found in Drawing With Children, a fabulous book written by Mona Brookes. If you don’t already own this book, consider buying it… it is truly fantastic.
Vocabulary:
draw, shapes, images, design, listen, understand, unique, identify, imagine, arrange, line, straight, curve, circle, square, triangle, color, similar, different, aware, hand, eye, sound, new
What You Need:
- construction paper (light colors)
- markers- fine and thick tip (or you can substitute crayons, pencil crayons or pastels)
What You Do:
Teacher or parent will call out directions for their students and children.
Students will draw what they hear.
Students should be encouraged to listen carefully to the directions.
Students should not look at one another’s work while doing this exercise.
Teacher can use the following directions or they can make up their own:
For Younger Students:
Draw four straight lines from one edge of your paper to the other.
Draw five circles anywhere on your paper.
Draw one curved line that starts at one edge of your paper and ends up somewhere in the middle of your paper.
Color in two of the circles — any color you like.
Fill in three areas of your paper however you like (completely colored in, lines, squiggles etc.)
For Older Students:
Draw four straight lines from one edge of your paper to the other.
Draw two more straight lines from one edge of you paper to the other and make the lines cross over the lines you have already drawn.
Draw five circles – any size – anywhere on your paper.
Draw two curved lines beginning at the edge of the paper and ending up somewhere in the middle of the paper.
Fill in three of the five circles.
Fill in four areas of your paper however you would like.
Once the drawings are complete, students should sign their work.
The work should be put on display in the classroom and a discussion should take place.
Do the drawings look the same? Different? How are they similar? How are they different? Why?
Come up with as many different sets of directions as you can. You will be amazed at the unique qualities of all of the drawings.
Here are some examples from: carlisleartclass.blogspot.ca
If you like this, you will love:
I love a good Getting to Know You activity and this one fits the bill in so many ways.
By answering questions with lines, shapes and colors, students will create one-of-a-kind works of art. Children of all ages are able to participate and all will feel excited and surprised at their work.
Designed for K-6 (ages 5-12 – and beyond), this art lesson uses basic art supplies and shows you how to teach the material step-by-step.
Our members already have full access to this package (plus hundreds more) inside TheKinderArtClub.com.
If you aren’t a member, you can get the 22 page pack at TPT.
