For this project, each student receives a square that only has a small portion of the Mona Lisa printed on it. The students do not see the whole picture and do not know what it will look like. They only see something that looks abstract. Each student receives a plain piece of white construction paper numbered on the back. With crayons, they are to replicate what they see on their square. When all students are finished, the teacher will glue them in order on a large sheet of paper. When displayed, they will be able to see that their creation is the Mona Lisa.
Woven arts and crafts have been part of many cultures for a long time. Give some examples of woven art. Weaving is a great project for fifth graders in that it helps them learn patterning and is a valuable skill. At this age, kids are creative and have good finger dexterity. Have your students weave a small blanket, basket, place mat, potholders or a paper lantern.
Kids enjoy tie dying and it is a great group project. Your child or student can turn a plain white t-shirt into a colorful work of art. Many colors of dyes are available for dying. However, you may want to consider using natural dyes. Beets make red, carrots make orange, onions make yellow, blueberries make blue, spinach leaves make green and blackberries make purple. Your child will be delighted at his creation when the first rubber band comes off. This t-shirt is one that will be memorable long after making it.
Mosaic art is one that is good for being creative with color. In this art project, your child can learn about ancient Greek artists that made mosaics. Show your child or group pictures of traditional Greek mosaics. Seeing this type of art is a good way to reinforce skills that use patterning. Simple drawings in children's coloring books are good designs to make for mosaics. An easy way to make mosaics is by using colored construction paper cut into pieces. The student will glue the paper pieces on in any pattern she likes. For a name mosaic, have the children either make just his initials or spell his whole name out.