If I'm being honest, I was super nervous to do paper mache in the classroom. I had never taught it before and just wasn't too sure how it would turn out, if the 7th and 8th graders would like it, and I wasn't sure how crazy dirty my classroom would get! I remembered loving doing it though as I kid so I figured I would try it out.
For the projectI introduced them to Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a husband and wife art duo that creates large scale versions of food and other everyday objects and other sculptures as well. We talked about making objects appear larger or smaller than they are to create emphasis based on size. I also showed them a few examples of some faux taxidermy that they could base their projects off of.
Once we had our inspiration I gave the kids the task of designing their own project, either large/small scale objects or faux taxidermy. They had to draw a diagram, explain how they would make it, and create a list of materials that they would need. They were encouraged to build their bases out of recycled materials or other objects that they could find laying around their homes.
We then got to work building our sculptures and coating them in gluey paper. I also had the students design a 2dimensional version of their work to go along side it in the end. They could use their choice of materials.
We had so much fun with this project in the end! Paper mache was in fact a little bit messy but it was 100% worth it. The projects turned out so great and they students worked so hard! Here are a few highlights from the project..
For the projectI introduced them to Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, a husband and wife art duo that creates large scale versions of food and other everyday objects and other sculptures as well. We talked about making objects appear larger or smaller than they are to create emphasis based on size. I also showed them a few examples of some faux taxidermy that they could base their projects off of.
Once we had our inspiration I gave the kids the task of designing their own project, either large/small scale objects or faux taxidermy. They had to draw a diagram, explain how they would make it, and create a list of materials that they would need. They were encouraged to build their bases out of recycled materials or other objects that they could find laying around their homes.
We then got to work building our sculptures and coating them in gluey paper. I also had the students design a 2dimensional version of their work to go along side it in the end. They could use their choice of materials.
We had so much fun with this project in the end! Paper mache was in fact a little bit messy but it was 100% worth it. The projects turned out so great and they students worked so hard! Here are a few highlights from the project..