1st Grade Book Covers
The first grade students at Bryant Elementary created book covers for a writing assignment about how to be a good students at Bryant. They benefited from this project by learning to think deeply about their personal experiences and opinions about who they want to be as students. They acquired the skill of creating simple visual representations related to their ideas for this project, enhancing their ability to express themselves artistically. Sharing their unique visions and feelings throughout this process was essential, as it celebrated the individuality of each student and fostered an appreciation for their diverse perspectives.
Key Concepts:
How to use symbols and images communicate an idea.
How to express personality/feelings in artwork through colors, details, style, etc.
How to find meaning in a personal experience related to school.
Brainstorming ideas for their cover served as the foundation of the project, allowing students to build on their existing critical thinking abilities while delving into the realm of visual art. By setting personal goals and creating purposeful artwork, students found fulfillment as they reflected on what being a good students at Bryant meant to them.
Objectives:
Follow steps to create an original book cover about how to be a good student at Bryant.
Demonstrate drawing skills and use of colored pencil shading techniques.
Produce a detailed piece of artwork reflective of their idea.
Students were encouraged to reflect on who they are as students and what they consider to be a ‘good’ student at Bryant Elementary. We discussed specific ideas about what makes a good student as a group and developed concepts for a cover illustrations, such as a depiction of a friend being kind to another friend, sharing is caring, and being attentive during a lesson. The inquiry process allows students to think deeply about what they are making. Given that school life is a significant aspect of elementary students' experiences, guiding them to consider the components of a healthy school environment with good students can empower them to cultivate more positive experiences in the future.