SHAPE COLLAGE – Organic, Geometric, Contrast

Students will be able to:

• create a collage using red, yellow and blue construction paper;
• explain the difference between geometric and organic shapes;
• use contrast to create emphasis;
• demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity;
• support their ideas with evidence found in the artworks.

Have students:

• read and discuss the book Colour Farm, by Lois Ehlert to see how geometric shapes are used to make animals and landscapes;
• create a new collage combining different coloured geometric shapes to create a picture such as an animal or landscape;
• work in small groups to share their collages and discuss how they used the shapes and colours to create their tree or animal;
• work in partners to use their two completed artworks to create a story with a beginning, middle and end;
• share their stories with the whole class.

1. Prior to this lesson have students practice tracing and cutting small shapes from a large piece of paper.
   Demonstrate how to:
   - place tracer about 3 cm (1") from the edge of the paper, not in the centre of the paper;
   - cut about 1 cm (1/2")  around each shape before cutting on the lines to make the paper easier to hold and cut.
2. Download and display the Colour and Shape posters available on this website.
3. Download silhouette images from the Internet, for example,
   Silhouette-Gazelle
   Silhouette-Bird
4. Gather, and make available, books on the theme of shapes such as Round as a Mooncake, A Book of Shapes, by Roseanne Thong; Icky Bug Shapes, by Jerry Pollotta; and The Greedy Triangle, by Marilyn Burns and Gordon Silvena. (Marilyn Burns is known for her integration of mathematics into her children's books.)
5. Cut out sets of tracers, enough for students to share in small groups. (Downloads - Geometric_tracers.pdf)
6. Create a sample collage using three shapes and three colours.

1. Conduct a read-aloud using a book with a shape theme such as Round as a Mooncake - A Book of Shapes, by Roseanne Thong.
2. View and discuss the silhouette images.
   Silhouette-Gazelle
   Silhouette-Bird 
3. Discuss the characteristics of geometric and organic shapes.
4. Have students identify shapes within the classroom.
5. Introduce the challenge.

1. Conduct a read-aloud using a book such as Blue Horse or The Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle to discuss and observe the use of collage illustrations in a story.
2. Discuss how the author created these illustrations.
3. Have students share their completed collages with a partner. Ask them to share:
   - What they like about the collages.
   - Two things that are the same about their collages. 
   - Two things that are different about their collages. 
   - What was difficult about making the collage.
   - What was satisfying about making the collage.
4. Have the partners create a short story using both collages and focusing on their silhouettes as the main characters in their story.
5. Remind them that every story has a beginning, middle and end.

1. Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting.
2. Observe students as they discuss their collage – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience
3. Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - ShapeCollage_tracking.pdf)
4. Have students write a reflection that includes things such as:
   - How they made their collage.
   - Why they chose their silhouette.
   - What they like best about their collage.