As the school year draws to a close, this simple summer collage art lesson plan could be a great way to fit one more fun activity into the class schedule. Allow students to choose from a variety of summer-themed art supplies (more detailed suggestions in the supply list below) and use their chosen items to make a collage that represents their summer plans.
This art lesson plan can easily be modified to apply to several grade levels. For older students, include a writing element and tailor the selection of supplies to the age group of the students.
Time Needed
This project could be spread over one or two periods of art depending on the supplies and their application. You’ll also need to consider added time if you’re adding a written element.
Project Objectives
- Students will work with a variety of art supplies, making their own decision about which supplies they will use.
- Encourage students to make their collages a coherent expression of their summer plans. They can place their supplies in a way that conveys an idea or use items to build a picture. However, if they are inclined, a more freeform creative expression should not be discouraged.
- Ask the students to think about and then portray what they want to do in their time off from school. Are they traveling with their family? Attending a summer camp? Do they intend to swim at the pool, go to the park, read books, or watch movies? Give them examples of how to use the supplies provided to illustrate their plans.
Recommended Supplies
- Styrofoam Collage Trays (these are easier to decorate than poster board, especially for younger children, though any sturdy base is appropriate).
- Summer-Themed Die-Cut Shapes, e.g., sunglasses, trees, flowers, water waves, etc.
- Glue Sticks
- Craft Glitter and Colored Sand (assorted colors)
- Pre-cut felt shapes
- Small Seashells
- If applicable, have students gather natural elements like twigs, leaves, or grass for use in their collages.
Instructions
- Detail the intentions of the collages to your students. Use a prepared example or one that can be easily created as you go from the selection of art supplies available.
- If applicable, explain the guidelines for the written part of the project. For younger children, this could be as simple as writing their name and decorating the space around it with summer-themed shapes or making their name out of the supplies. For older grades, consider a creative writing project. It could be a short poem about what they expect their summer to be like, what they have loved in previous summers, or a brief essay about what summer means to them.
- Let the students decide how they want to incorporate the written part of the project. Do they want to write on the tray or other medium and build the collage around it? Write it out and glue it onto their tray? This is at the instructor’s discretion.
- Allow students access to the art supplies to build their collages using glue sticks, felt shapes, glitter, and other craft supplies. Encourage them to think creatively about how they want to portray what they wrote or how they feel about the coming summer months.
For more summer products and inspiration, check out School Specialty’s summer specialty shop. You’ll also find more articles about summer learning at the link below!
Leave a Reply