Shape Mosiac

I try to vary art experiences in the classroom so that the children have opportunities for learning and practicing different skills.  I also feel that each child's creation should be just as unique and different as the children are from each other and try to stay away from "cookie-cutter" crafts.  To that end, one of the lessons I've presented is the following Shape Mosaic.

First, I demonstrated how a straight line is formed and pointed out the beginning of the line and the end of the line.  I drew a few more so the children could identify and name the beginning and end of each line I drew.  Then, as dramatically as I could, I showed how a line can be connected at the beginning and the end to create a shape.  This step was repeated several times as the children watched intently.  Next, I presented the materials for the lesson:


Three jars each with six inch strips of varying shades of a color (I used purple, but any color would be great...);  six inch squares of oak tag; small tray with one jar for black marker and pencil and another jar with scissors and glue (the larger space is where the child places their papers to carry everything to a workspace). 

To complete the activity, the child chooses a few strips of each color, one square paper, and brings everything to a table.  Just as in the lesson about connecting the ends of lines, I showed the children how to make three shapes with the black marker on the oak tag.  Next, each strip of colored paper was cut into small mosaic pieces and collected in the tray.  Lastly, each shape was filled in with one color from the mosaic pieces with the glue stick.

Here, the child has set up his space, drawn the three shapes with marker, and is gluing some small mosaic pieces which he has cut and collected on the tray.

The lesson requires much concentration and attention to detail.  I've been enjoying watching the children working at their individual paces as they meticulously create their Shape Mosaic.  And as always, each one is quite unique:


Some finished Shape Mosaics in our hallway.

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