Fun and games distance learning

As I sit here I can't help thinking about 200 pieces of unglazed pottery that I unloaded from the kiln the week before we shut down. In the grand scheme of things, no big deal. But wondering if I'll see my 5th grade students again to at least pass back the work. It looks like we're a long way from completing "real art" with our students, so I'm trying to focus on what the next stage looks like.


At this point, our district is consolidating efforts to offer a calendar / menu style of offerings for the specials. Some of the choices might be creative brain breaks with things like an art scavenger hunt / eye spy or the circle game. These are things that I may have used traditionally on the last day of class, or for free art day.

While our 3-5 students may have access to technology, student access to internet and art supplies will not be equitable so part of the decision process is whether an activity can be completed with pencil and paper if that's all they have. To that end, I'm looking at things with high engagement, like old school animation devices. Flip books, Roll ups and Thaumatropes. I created a video demo for the roll up idea for those who may have internet access, but there's also a handout that easily explains the idea with pictures.


This was something I offered during STEAM night, but most students only made one item or played with the samples that were available. I think some of the students will really dig in and perhaps step up to a flip book given the extended time they have to work on it.





How are you preparing for distance learning? Is your department working together to share resources or are you on your own? Are you teaching traditional projects, or supplementing with more prompts and activities? I'm thinking more found object sculptures, collages and sidewalk chalk art as the temperature begins to rise.


I put together a FREE sampler of 3 favorite low budget no-prep activities to try. Enjoy!