Outcomes

To learn about three dimensional work, sculpture that serves a purpose (in this case play), architecture, a review of basic shapes and their names and putting individual accomplishment together to create a group project.

Materials

Construction paper of many shades (can be scrap paper-a good way to recycle) cut in half to start, scissors, pencils, 5”x5” cardboard or cardstock square ‘bases’, little toy cars, people and street signs (optional), and pictorial examples of architecture.

Art History

Look at architectural models.  Talk about what an architect does and how they use the model of a building to help build the building.

Steps

1. Using pictures of houses, and architectural drawings and pictures of models, talk about how people who design houses (architects) use shapes and lines in their drawing and constructing of models.  Ask the children to point out shapes that they see.
2. On a white board or chalkboard, draw a simple house using a square triangle and other various shapes for doors and windows.   Talk about how each child is going to create a little house that will stand up using those basic shapes.  Show a pre-made example, already placed on the cardboard base.  Keep the shapes small (palm sized is a good easy way to measure), so that the house will easily stand up.
3. Pass out half sheets of colored construction paper of various colors (a pile on the table so each group has many choices is a good idea), and pencils.
4. Have each child make a square, again showing how to make one on white board/chalk board.  Show the children how to measure the size of the square using the palm of their hand.  The square should be about the same size.
5. As children are drawing, pass out scissors (don’t pass them out too early or you will have little pieces of paper cut up too early), and then have each child cut out the square.
6. The children should write their names on the back of their squares when they are finished cutting.
7. Next, have each child choose different color (if they wish, it’s not critical-they can use the same color if they want to) and draw a triangle, again reviewing the shape on the white/chalk board.  Make sure the triangle is no bigger than  the palm of their hand.
8. As they cut out the triangle, pass out the glue.  When the triangles are cut, show them with pre-made shapes how to put triangle ‘roof’ onto the square ‘house’.  Remind them to use little dots of glue, not puddles.
9. Okay, here is where the creativity gets going.  So far you have a pretty boring, everybody looks the same project, but with additions to that house, using basic shapes, they can become quite amazing.  Show them how to make a triangle chimney and  windows of every shape-hearts and stars are also shapes! Glue on windows, chimneys, a garage-whatever they think they need.
10. The next time you meet with the kids (the glue has to have a chance to dry) show them how to bend the bottom bit of the house up to make a ‘shelf’ to glue to the cardboard base.  A good way to measure is to use the ‘rule of thumb’.  The bent part should be about the same size of half their thumb.  You might need to help them with this.
11. Pass out the bases, glue and pencils.  Using little dots or one line of glue, have each child glue the house to the base anywhere they like.  Have them hold it for a fifteen second count.
12. Using scrap paper, show the children how to make trees, bushes, sidewalk pieces-all using basic shapes, and review how to put them on the base so that they stand up.  They may also put pieces onto the other side of the house to make it look more finished-windows, doors and such.
13. When all houses are completed, find a place to display them that is flat and easy to reach, and construct a ‘town’, using paper strips for road pieces, and toy cars and accessories.  Have the children help make the display.  A good time to show it off is during a school open house, or other carnival like event.  Enjoy!