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 StackChallenge - stack the cups as high as you can in ten minutes. No adhesives. Points for height and aesthetics. Materials: styrofoam cups 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 IllustrationChallenge - 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. 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: Table Mascot or LogoChallenge - create a mascot or logo for your table group using symbolism.
Materials: choice of 2D media, poster size paper. 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.
2 Comments
Shelly
9/4/2017 01:53:35 pm
What fun! It's like a TASK party with more structure. Question: for Round 3 the inspiration was a guiding question. What questions were asked? Were they just basic "get to know your tablemates" questions?
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Dawn Ellison
6/3/2018 11:24:11 am
What was the verb used for the "el Nachos" visual? I couldn't make the connection in the game.
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Mrs. PurteeI'm interested in creating a student student centered space for my high school students through choice and abundant opportunity for self expression. I'm also a writer for SchoolArts co-author of The Open Art Room. Archives
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