Objectives Students will be able to
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1. create a book cover with an original design featuring a reoccurring pattern.
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2. utilize stencils or their own imaginative alphabet to include a title and their names in a type of calligraphy
Note to the Instructor Children are more apt to write if they know that it will become an actual book. It is not my intention to go into bookmaking or the subject of the book—I leave that to you. It may be something about architecture, an ABC book to share with younger children or illustrations of myths, an original story, a book of famous quotations, poems, etc. The intention of this lesson is to consider ornamentation and give the children a hands on project to complete. This lesson will probably take more than one class period to finish.
Materials Paints, markers of different widths and colors, brushes of different sizes, paper or cardboard for covers, stencils of letters, and examples of fancy borders, alphabets, and designs.
Procedures
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1. Children should have been working on creating a book.
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2. They should now be acquainted with the fact that the orders and other parts of the classical buildings were covered with ornamentation.
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3. Tell them that in the Islamic tradition the use of decoration especially on the holy book—the Koran was highly prized. Fancy writing which we call calligraphy was also used in copying holy writings.
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4. Present students with a number of examples of decorative patterns and books (check bibliography).
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5. Give students a small triangular block from a set of pattern blocks. Have them trace a series of triangles in a row and color them in using any two primary colors (red, blue, or yellow). Then add the square and have children do an “ababab” pattern of triangle, square. Again let children color in the shapes. Finally add a third shape—such as the parallelogram . This is in keeping with Owen Jones’ theory that the best ornament derives from the use no more than three elements. At this point the third color should be added. Remember again that Jones’ research showed the primary colors were found in the most original examples of ornamentation.
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6. After some practice in patterning divide children into groups and make materials available. Tell children that they are going to make decorative book covers for their writing.
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7. Along with geometric designs allow children to trace appropriate pictures and lettering on their covers.
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8. After everyone is finished have a published day and have students share their books with the class. Make them part of the classroom book corner.