The original idea is from Adventures in Art by Laura Chapman
All Classes:
Ahead of time, write or type each item on a slip of paper, fold, and place in a bin or can for each student to select. If you have more students than the items listed, you might want to make 2 of each. I cut enough 9x12 drawing paper in half for every student to have 1 piece.
Unusual Fish: Candlefish, Goatfish, Guitarfish, etc.
Click here for a printable list of Unusual Fish
Unusual Tools: Alligator wrench, Beetle Hammer, Dovetail Saw, etc.
Click here for a printable list of Unusual Tools
Unusual Plants: Cat’s-Paw Flower, Knotweed, Marshmallow Flower, etc.
Click here for a printable list of Unusual Plants
Begin class by discussing Envision (a Studio Habit of Mind). Ask if anyone knows what Envision means. Mention that Envision is when you imagine or visualize in your mind what you want to create.
Explain that we are going to play a drawing game/have a drawing challenge. The object is to draw an item so that others can guess the name of your item. I told my 3rd graders we will draw unusual fish, my 4th graders we will draw unusual tools and machines, and my 5th graders we will draw unusual plants. This is the order I decided to teach, make it work for you any way you want! Then I said "You will select a slip from a jar. Envision how you think the item should look and draw it in a realistic or imaginary way."
Mention to keep the name a secret (I recommend to write the name of their item and their own name on the back of their paper). Remind the students to draw a fish, tool, or plant that matches the name in a realistic or imaginary way. They might want to add a background once finished with their drawing.
Circulate as they work and remind them to keep the name a secret. I helped some students by quietly whispering when they didn't understand a word.
Invite students to add color using anything from the drawing center or any drawing materials you want to have available for this lesson. Drawings may be left with just pencil but encourage adding details or shading.
Once finished, have the student display their drawing on the marker board or on a table. Have the students gather around the drawings. I tell my students that all artwork must be shown but participation in the guessing is optional.
I said to my classes “I will ask for volunteers to guess, if your drawing is called you can tell the guesser if they are correct or incorrect and tell them the right name. However, if you do not want to answer when I ask “is that correct?” simply remain silent. Then I will lift the drawing and read the item name but not the artist’s name.” This is important so that anyone who is feeling uneasy can remain anonymous. Then ask if anyone has a guess. Have the student select, point, and guess. Then ask “is that correct?” Continue until all artworks have been discussed. Again, if anyone doesn't want to say the name, I just look on the back and read it after guesses have been made.
Conclusion: show the students a PowerPoint of images of the actual unusual fish, tools, or plants. Do not show at the beginning! It will eliminate creativity from this lesson.
