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

Team-building exercises strengthen the classroom community, especially when implemented during the first days of school. This visual arts exercise emphasizes the importance of individual artistic expression towards creation of a group project. As the teacher combines individual pieces, students discover a positive message hidden in their assembled artwork. Such activities motivate students to work together towards a common goal and recognize the special talents individual bring to a group.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Supplies Used: Butcher Paper, Crayons, Markers, Paint, Scissors, Tape

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

1. Write or print a message in thick black pen on white butcher paper, tracing 4" Lollipop Alphabet or any alphabet (Figure A).
   
2. Turn the paper over and divide into segments (Figure B).
   
3. Number each segment, then cut the butcher paper and distribute one part to each student.
   
4. Students can use any colored crayon, marker or poster paint except black to create detailed designs on their part of the bulletin board (Figure C).
   
5. At the end of the hour, students return their artwork to the teacher as the number on the back of the artwork is called out.
   
6. Reassemble the pieces into one large bulletin board to reveal the hidden message (see Main Photo).