Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
617-426-6500
© Boston Children’s Museum 2024
Website Design by Jackrabbit
At the beginning of the year, it’s always good to get an idea of where your students’ heads are. Having kids draw their silhouettes and then fill them in with their thoughts and ideas will not only give you insight into your students, but also will give them a chance to reflect on themselves and their own lives. Not only are children undergoing physical changes as they grow, but they are changing inside as well—repeating this activity at the end of the year, or even later, will give your students a chance to reflect on where they’ve been, where they are and where they’re going.
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In this activity, children will make beads out of scrap paper and string them together to make wearable art. These beads can be really beautiful, and aside from all that kids get out of this as an art activity, they will also be experimenting with patterns and shapes.
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As children discover how to express themselves through art, they should learn how to use a variety of materials and media such as crayons, chalk, paint, clay, various kinds of papers, textiles, yarns, etc. It is important for them to also understand how to use these materials to produce different visual effects. Shadow puppets offer children an opportunity to not only develop this knowledge, but also to create artwork in a variety of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional media, to use appropriate vocabulary related to methods, materials and techniques, and to take care of materials and tools and to use them safely.
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So much of discovery relies on observation skills. By giving students an opportunity to really look at the world around them and the experiences they have, you give them the chance to develop and grow into good observers.
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Collaborative writing is a process that requires a set of skills above and beyond those used in writing individually. Students need to have an understanding of their own ideas so that they can present them to their peers; they must read and comprehend other children’s writing, understanding how everyone’s piece fits into the larger project; and they must review and revise their writing to create a cohesive final book.
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Storytelling encourages creative writing and practice of written language. It also helps children learn how to write clear sentences that develop a central idea, and how to be thoughtful about the audience and purpose of written material. And because this activity requires teamwork, children will have to clearly describe their ideas and synthesize them with their peers’ thoughts. This activity also gives children a chance to practice specific vocabulary, brainstorming and writing dialogue.
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This activity gives children an opportunity to exercise their creativity while using some unexpected materials and media. Children will also be encouraged to learn and use appropriate vocabulary related to methods, materials and techniques.
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Suminagashi, Japanese for “ink-floating,” is a paper marbling technique that was practiced in Japan as early as the 12th century. Creating these beautifully marbled pieces of paper encourages children to relax, focus and observe the changing swirls in front of them. You will be amazed by the beautiful results!
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Boston Children's Museum
308 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
617-426-6500
© Boston Children’s Museum 2024
Website Design by Jackrabbit