Julia L. Hovanec

After sharing the picture book Alphabet City by Stephen T. Johnson (Puffin Books, 1999) with my class, I introduce students to the work of artist Stephen Powers, who creates artworks that incorporate letters and words. Students then create a cut-paper mosaic of the first letter of their first name. Students share their letter mosaic through a prompt and talk about a problem they solved while making it.

Lesson Benefits
This lesson teaches students about creative problem solving while reviewing the letters of the alphabet. Students are also encouraged to take notice of letters in their surroundings.

Creative problem solving teaches persistence and fosters innovation, and knowing the letters of the alphabet is a foundational skill for spelling, reading, and life.

These are important concepts for young learners. Creative problem solving teaches persistence and fosters innovation; taking notice of their surroundings helps students become more observant; and knowing the letters of the alphabet is a foundational skill for spelling, reading, and life.

Procedures
Ask students: “Do you know the alphabet? Do you know how to spell your first name? Do you know what the first letter of your first name is? If you don’t yet, it’s okay—we’ll find out together. Did you know that letters are all around us, and artists even create art with them?” Then tell them, “Today, we’re going to look at a book about the alphabet and learn about an artist who uses letters in his art. After that, we’ll use cut-paper to create the first letter of our first name using a technique called mosaic.”

Sharing Alphabet City
Before sharing the book, invite students to be very observant and take notice, since there aren’t any words in this book—just pictures. Ask them to focus on spotting the first letter of their first name. Share the book, then guide learners in a discussion about what they saw. Ask: “Do you remember what objects in the city made the first letter of your first name?” (E.g., the side of a yellow traffic light forming the letter E.)

Next, introduce students to the work of artist Stephen Powers (see Resource). Show a few of his pieces that feature the alphabet, then ask students: “What do you think of his work? Do you think you can create the first letter of your first name?”

Making Mosaic Letters
Give each student a pre-cut cardstock shape of the first letter of their first name. As an alternative, you could give each student a piece of cardstock and demonstrate how to draw bubble letters, which they can create and cut out on their own.

Next, hand out scissors, glue, and sheets of colored paper. Lead students in a demonstration of ways in which they can cut the paper and create a mosaic-like design on their letter.

After the demonstration, invite students to use what they learned to create their letter mosaics. Assist them individually as needed.

When their letters are complete, have students share their work and complete the prompt “[Student’s letter] is for .” Then in a closing discussion, ask them to talk about a problem they solved while making it. Afterwards, have them assist with cleanup as directed.

Objectives

• Students will identify the life and work of contemporary artist Stephen Powers and discuss his pieces featuring letters.
• Students will define creative problem solving as a method for solving problems by using creativity.
• Students will create the first letter of their first name using a cut-paper mosaic technique and solve problems along the way.

Julia L. Hovanec is an associate professor or of art education at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. hovanec@kutztown.edu    Alphabet Art Room