Creative Kids Summer Class: Creating with Squares

Today we read Perfect Square by Michael Hall, one of my favorite authors.

This square in this book keeps getting changed in some way: ripped up, cut into pieces, etc. So then it makes itself into something new, like a fountain or a river or a park. It is a great model to show young artists how they can manipulate a shape and use their imagination and creativity to change it into whatever they want it to be. In other words, this book was a perfect fit for our summer class this week.

I set out an "invitation to create" for our little group with paper squares, scissors, fancy scissors, hole punches, glue, and writing utensils. They got right to work, and it was so fun to watch each individual in their own creation process.

We have a range of mixed ages in the class this week, and this activity allowed everyone to create in their own way. Although in the book the square makes a "finished picture" with an end result, it was up to the kids if they wanted to name or make their product into something.  

Some had a goal in mind and gave their creation names, like "A River" or "Polka Dot Wall with a Book" while others were just happy to be engaged in the processes of cutting, glueing, ripping, etc.

Who knew one shape could lead to so many fun possibilities?

We also started another project using squares, and I'll post more about that after we finish it up tomorrow!