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 3: Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas

• Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning.

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

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

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Welcome students back to school with a unique nameplates celebrating fall and new beginnings. Students will mix colors to make their own colorful nameplates. Learn student names during this project and enhance classroom management skills. Consider creative ways of grouping students to establish the classroom community.

Supplies Used: Construction Paper, Black Marking Pen, Glue, Paint, Sponges

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

1. Die-cut a class set of Nameplates from multiple sheets of white cardstock or construction paper. Write a student's name on each Nameplate.
   
2. Die-cut a Leaf, Oak for each student from multiple sheets of white construction paper.
3. Place a sheet of newspaper on each student desk and provide students with sponge painting materials and a Leaf.
4. Have students sponge paint the Leaves using various colors to create unique blends and patterns. Allow the paintings to dry.
   
5. Adhere student Leaves to the left hand side of their Nameplate (see Main Photo).