Fine Arts: Visual Arts

K-4 Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.

K-4 Standard 5: Reflecting Upon and Assessing the Characteristics and Merits of Their Work and the Work of Others

• Students understand there are various purposes for creating works of visual art.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Create fun T-shirts for summer camp or any occasion. Explore different techniques and processes with iron-ons and sponge painting when decorating the shirts. Celebrate student projects by wearing the shirts for special activities or events.

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Fabric Paint (Black), Iron-on Fabric, Permanent Marking Pen, Pop-Up Sponge, T-Shirt

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut the Block Alphabet using iron-on fabric to create the words "SUMMER CAMP." Personalize the shirt with any camp or student name. Iron the letters onto the shirt. Embellish the words with permanent marking pen.
2. Die-cut two Paw Prints using Pop-Up Sponges.
   
3. Dampen the sponges to pop them up and make them pliable for painting.
   
4. Tape down a piece of waxed paper to hold the paint to be shared by several students. Paint a thin layer of black fabric paint onto the waxed paper.
   
5. Dip the sponge Paw Prints into the black paint and sponge the Paw Prints onto the T-shirts (see Main Photo).