Jill~
I begin the year with Line (it's a good place to start) and I also do the
Line Hunt that Judy referred too. We make line designs on paper and then we make
a Line Mural. A hint: the little kiddos do not spend that much time on a
single project so I have learned to have a back-up plan in place if there is a lot
of time left in class. The next week we cut lines from colored construction
paper and glue onto a 12x18 piece of paper. This is where I teach them how to
use scissors (alligators) and also to apply glue(a dot is a lot). If you have
time they can draw lines on their paper using construction paper crayons or
oil pastels. From here we move into shape. I read the story When a Line Bends A
Shape Begins. They draw shapes on their own and I also have tracers available
(cool whip covers, cardboard squares). They color in the shapes. I give them a
pipe cleaner (their own line) and they bend it to make a shape. I staple this
to their paper.
Next week I read the story The Shape of Things and they use pre-cut shapes to
make a picture. Remind them about gluing technique. I move onto color,
texture, etc. and save all their work and make a book using the GBC machine.
I try to incorporate a story into the lesson whenever I can.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Carolyn
