Early Childhood

The Essential Question
What types of buildings and elements make up a neighborhood? How do neighborhoods tell stories?

Objective
Students will create a collage composition of a neighborhood (real or imaginary).

Materials
white or green paper, pre-cut paper shapes of rectangles and squares (various sizes, lengths, and colors), glue, scissors, drawing media, images of neighborhoods, images of artworks from Romare Bearden and Christian Robinson

Procedures
1. Show students images of various neighborhoods and ask them what they see. How do these images compare to the neighborhoods they live in? What do neighborhoods need?
2. Share images of various works from artists Romare Bearden and Christian Robinson that emphasize how the artists are inspired by their own neighborhoods.
3. Demonstrate for students how to arrange and collage their own neighborhoods using pre-cut paper shapes. Long rectangle strips of paper are useful for creating roads, and squares and shorter rectangles can be used for buildings, windows, and doors. Squares can be cut diagonally to create roofs.
4. Provide students with a base (white or green paper) for collaging. Have students start with their roads, then add buildings and other elements.
5. After their paper shapes are glued, students use various drawing materials to add details such as people, cars, street signs, and foliage.

Assessment
If time allows, provide students an opportunity to participate in a gallery walk and talk about what inspired their neighborhood design.

Mary Bergh is an art teacher at John F. Hartranft Elementary School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.