CONCEPT: 

To become familiar with the basic geometric shapes: square, triangle, rectangle and circle. In addition, to think about how we can find geometric shapes in the world around us. See SHAPE Discussion Notes.

MATERIALS:

• Shape sponges
• Tempera paint (all colors)
• Paper plates (for paint)
• 12 x 18 white construction paper
• Paint shirts
• Pencils (to write name on back)

SET-UP:

Each student receives:

• Paint shirt
• Construction paper

Each table should have:

• A number of different shape sponges (pre-moistened, wring out well)
• Variety of paint colors on paper plates

CLASS TIME:

• As always… keep it simple! Discuss the two types of shapes – geometric and natural (organic) – and what makes them differ (see SHAPE Discussion Notes).
• Ask students where they might see shapes in their home, in school or in nature. And/Or ask specific questions such as, “Would a flower be considered a natural/organic shape or a geometric shape?”
• Read Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh*

ART TIME:

• Explain to students they are going to use geometric shapes (sponges) to create a picture.
• First have students decide what kind of picture they want to create such as a landscape (examples: mountain, ocean, garden, city) or a picture with people (examples: school, home) or animals (forest, zoo). See samples.
• Students then select a shape they would like to start with. Tell them to dab the sponge into a chosen paint color and then to dab that sponge onto their paper. Once done with a shape sponge, students should leave that sponge with the paint color used.
• Students can be as creative as they want! They can use one shape to represent one thing (example: circle = sun) or group different shapes together to form a single thing (example: a person) or use one shape over and over in a pattern (example: waves).
• Mount on colored paper.

TIPS:

• Make sure to emphasize to kids to DAB or LIGHTLY PAT the paint/sponge onto their paper so as to create a shape (sponges are cut into circles, squares, triangles, etc.). Make sure not to wipe the sponge across the paper or press too hard on the sponge otherwise the shape will become distorted.
• This project is messy! Use paint shirts and rubber bands around the shirt arms to keep shirt fabric from dragging through paint.
• Remember that sponges need to be pre-moistened. Easiest way to do this is throw a bunch into ziploc bag/s (in bin), add a small amount of water, close bag and squeeze. Add more water if needed. Sponges just need to be moist, not soaking wet.

* Other recommended books (check out from Ramsey County Library):

• A Star in my Orange: Looking for Nature’s Shapes by Dana Meachen Rau
• Round is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
• Round and Square by Miriam Schlein