A Back to School Mini-Project
Are you at that point in the summer where you are planning for the just-around-the-corner school year? I am - and I decided that I’m starting with my Pick 3 mini project, which I created by modifying my Pick 3 game (read the shorter, game version here).
When I first offered my Pick 3 game to students I noticed that many were inspired by their words and wanted more time. I decided to expand the experience from 45 minutes to two 90-minute class periods and used it as a getting-to-know-you project at the start of my second semester Studio class last school year.
The activity started by asking each students to pick three words, one word from each of three cups (hence the name “Pick 3”). Once students have their three words they are tasked with creating a “finished, polished” artwork in two class periods. The project can be made in any media, which works well for the classes I used it with, who have all completed Beginning Art and have background knowledge that supports this level of choice.
This year, to help students navigate deciding what their own art-making process needs to look like, I will have them fill out my Formal Artwork planning form (read more about the four types of work I offer in my Studio class here). I will give the class 15 minutes to fill out the form, then, instead of sharing their ideas with me, I’ll ask them to share with someone sitting near them.
This project is effective for me for a few reasons:
Sharing ideas helps students begin to get to know each other
It lets me see how students approach planning and developing ideas
I get great insight into personal style and media preference while I watch students at work
The short timeframe is motivating and helps students not overthink what to do
It gets the class making art with lots of personal choice on the first day
Here are my list of words and the instructions I share with students. Check out more student artwork below.