Can You Build It?

In my classroom, the first day of school is for games. Kids learn more when content is connected to fun and I want them to start internalizing my  Artistic Thinking Process (ATP), the framework I structure all class content around, ASAP. So I build games to teach it, as well to get to know each other and have fun.

This year's version, Can You Build It?, had three rounds, meant to introduce a variety of Inspiration and Development strategies, along with collaboration and problem solving. 

As kids come in the classroom I hand them a card which tells them what table to sit at, keeping groups even. The class period starts with a brief survey using Google Forms. I ask about student's experience, goals for the class and a bit about them. During this time I ask everyone to write one verb on the card I gave them. I collect the cards to be used for round 2 and start the game.

I've written about each section below using the ATP framework. 

Round 1: Cup Stack

Challenge - stack the cups as high as you can in ten minutes. No adhesives. Points for height and aesthetics. 
Materials: styrofoam cups
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Inspiration: New media.
Development: Experiment. Give groups a few minutes to mess around with the cups to figure out a plan for stacking. 
​Creation: Students stack and build for 10 minutes! 
Reflection: Each group shares their strategy with the class. 

Round 2: Active Illustration

Challenge - communicate the work on the card your team selects by acting it out. No sound. There must be a visual element created by the team. Points for craftsmanship, clear communication and use of humor. 
Materials: Verb cards that students created during the survey, plus a range of materials for construction.  I let my kids use paper, construction paper scraps, newspaper, markers, tape and scissors. 
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Inspiration: Themes.
Development: Brainstorm. Give groups a few minutes to list ideas for communicating their word. 
​Creation: Quick! 15 minutes to create presentations and the visual component. 
Presentation: Each group performs, then the class attempts to guess their word. 
****Not pictured because I was laughing so hard during the presentations I forgot to take photos!***

Round 3 poster. Student explanation of use of symbolism during persentation: "We all like nachos and we're all different, so we drew different toppings. I'm kind of salty, but still awesome, so I'm the plain chip with a hint of lime."

Round 3: Table Mascot or Logo

Challenge - create a mascot or logo for your table group using symbolism. 
Materials: choice of 2D media, poster size paper.
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​​Inspiration: Guiding question.
Development: Research. What do you have in common? How can you communicate it visually?
Creation: Students work together to create images. 
Presentation/ Reflection: Each group presents, sharing how they used symbolism to represent the group.  

Now I know my kids better and have some pretty awesome decorations. 
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