Elementary

The Essential Question
How can we welcome and create positive messages to new students entering the art room?

Objective
Students will design postcards with positive, welcoming messages for students who will take art class the following school year.

Materials
sketchbooks, color media, pencils, postcard template (create your own, or search online for examples)

Procedures
1. Ask students to think about positive messages and tips to give to a new student entering the art room. Students can brainstorm various messages in their sketchbooks or on a separate sheet of paper.
2. Students choose a postcard template or create their own template as the foundation for their design.
3. Students use the back of their postcard to write a message to the new art students who will take class the following year. Students can share their favorite projects, provide tips on success in the art room, offer other advice, or add anything they wish to welcome new students into the art room, provided their message is school-appropriate.
4. After writing their letter, students complete a “To” and “From” portion to the right of their message. They will write “To: Future Art Student” and “From:” with their name to personalize the piece.
5. Students flip their postcard over and create an eye-catching illustration using various media, additional words of inspiration, etc.
6. Students take a gallery walk around the room to view the various designs and messages their classmates have written.

Assessment
Students write a reflection on their process, explaining their postcardʼs message and how it might be helpful to new students entering the art room.

Leigh Drake is an art teacher at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.