Adjective Monsters in 3rd Grade

In 3rd grade we read the book "If You're A Monster and You Know It" with collages illustrations by Rebecca and Ed Emberly.  So much fun to sing along, students loved it!

We collaged colorful monsters and added painted adjectives to describe the monsters. They got so creative with adding different eyes and horns and tails to their monsters.

 

The next period, we reviewed what an adjective was, and brainstormed different describing words for our monsters on the board.  Adjectives for each monster were decoratively painted in white.

Scary Monster

Hyper Monster

CooCoo Monster

Creative Monster....love it!

Masks

This is one of my favorite Middle School projects. We use plastic mask forms to make plaster molds of faces. The faces are designed to reflect how the students feel about themselves on the inside, and how they perceive others see them on the outside. They write about their design choices and symbolism in an Artist Statement. The written piece never ceases to impress me, and remind me that these kids are thirsty for an opportunity to express themselves. This project is ongoing throughout the year, so check back for more work!

 After painting students place adjectives on the inside of the mask that explains how they see themselves, and adjectives on the outside that describe how others see them.

 
Eyes or other images can be added to create interest...





A glossy layer of decopage is added to seal in the magazine pieces and protect the mask. 

 

The masks are displayed in our lobby, floating from clear fishing line.  The frames display their written reflection about their mask in the form of an Artist Statement.