scissor exploration

kínder collage unit-

With kindergartner I always start in the same place. Use precut shapes and teach them how to use the glue correctly, how to not waste. If I a using liquid glue in that same class I will go over how to wipe the brush on the edge of the cup, etc. 

I let them make whatever they want at first although I will demonstrate some ways in which one could combine shapes to make a more complex subject. The kids, 75% of them at least, will copy whatever example you gave, and that is okay....

The second class I taught them how to fold the paper, trace a shape, any shape and cut it to make two identical shapes. This will be helpful once we need to make faces or butterflies or anything symmetrical for that matter. 

Next, I teach them to make small colorful sprinkles over their work by cutting first lots of long, thing lines but then cutting sideways to create tiny little sprinkles. We made "ice creams" then used this technique to sprinkle over them. The kids loved them....the trick is to not make the ice cream too complex so that kids have enough time to smear glue and cut their sprinkles before class is over. 

Order of activities :

* glue precut shapes. Provide scissors and see who uses to edit shapes as needed

* second day give them back their work and show them how to add smaller pieces to add "details", if you give examples, give varied examples so kids do not get stuck on one. Giving various examples allows them to see potentials where they are at. 

* Third day have students fold paper and cut out a shape (emphasize imaginary shape so kids don't get stuck on it being a perfect circle). I teach them how to make multiple shapes via folding. Only have kids fold once at first and maybe hint that more identical shapes can be made if folded twice, yet, be mindful that kids might not be able to cut through 4 pieces of paper. Mine could not. 

* Fourth day we made sprinkles. I created this easy ice cream image and copied it.....I taught them how to smear glue on where they'd like the sprinkles and how to cut the sprinkles. emphasize the words thin and make the steps nice and simple. Have them repeat the steps before sending them off to their chairs. I prefer liquid glue in cups with brushes over glue sticks. 

* fifth day they get to work on a new paper and this time they are armed with all these skills ..... note the difference and see where the gaps are. 

Snowflakes -kindergarten scissor practice

Kinder collage

      Seeing as students in Kindergarten often know the shape they want to make YET cannot make it yet, I always begin my collage unit using pre-cut shapes. Pre-cut shapes allows students to work with shapes, connect shapes and make "things" without the added frustration of making the shape you want but can't quite cut. Kindergarteners are notorious for having a meltdown if they can't cut a perfect circle. Not like experiencing frustration is all that bad, yet, when you have 35 minutes, 24 kindergarteners you have to plan strategically. Each table gets a tray of pre-cut shapes. Diamonds, squares, circles, long rectangles, triangles of all types, semi-circles....

Seeing as art tables are large for little bodies, I empty the tray onto the center and make sure all students have access to the materials. Yes, each child has a scissor and two kids each share a glue cup. 



By placing a glue cup, diagonally, one on each side all 4 kids get access. 

Paper sculpture with kinders

Every year we do paper sculptures and the students LOVE it. It's just the right ration of exciting to challenging. There are forms in that checklist which they may need help with, yet, in the end they all feel super proud of thier work. 




This year, as a way to keep my sanity I used different colors for differnt classes. I also use a visual and word checklist with each child, which they use to check off which ones they've finished. 

Kindergarten collage animals

https://youtu.be/H0Vg8DYuUkE