Step 1: Create characters together
Teacher models the activity
- Using the document camera, arrange pre-cut shapes to create a character.
- Name the character
Example: Mr. Humpabump - Come up with two descriptive statements about the character
Example: Mr. Humpabump likes to jump. Mr. Humpabump jumps over a stump.
Model the activity together
- Ask for two volunteers to come up and build a character using the shapes.
- The two volunteers will work together to create a simple character using the pre-cut shapes on the document camera so the rest of the class can watch the process.
- Once a character is complete, ask the volunteers to sit down.
- Invite the class to come up with a fun and descriptive name for the character.
- Invite the class to come up with one funny statement about the character. Encourage rhyming like in the Dr. Seuss books.
*Optional: repeat this activity for understanding
Step 2: Students Create Their Own Characters
Students create their own whimsical character using the pre-cut shapes provided.
Set up:
- Each student will be given newspaper (placemat), a cardboard “plate”, an assortment of pre-cut shapes, and foam scratchboard (for body and eyes of their character).
- Students are allowed to cut their own shapes if they want to.
- Remember to ask each student to write their name on the back of their cardboard plate.
Getting Started:
- Using the foam scratchboard, students will begin by deciding the shape of their character’s body. Students will draw the body onto the foam scratchboard and cut out the body (the body should be bigger than their fist) and then draw a pattern onto the foam body.
*Note: make sure students are pressing down hard when drawing into the foam so the marks will print clearly.
- Students should explore arranging their foam body on the cardboard “plate” in a variety of way to create different characters.
*Note: it is important that the characters fit on the cardboard. The color of the shapes chosen does not matter, students will be printing this cardboard plate.
- Once they are happy with their character, students will be given a small amount of white glue and a foam brush to glue their shapes down onto the cardboard.
If time allows…
- Students will come up with a NAME for their character and a descriptive statement to share.
- Provide a Dr. Seuss coloring station for early finishers.
You must be logged in to post a comment.