Submitted by: Michael Gerrish |
What's Behind Your Name? |
Names have meaning. Parents choose names for a variety of reasons: to honor family members, remember someone from their past or someone who is famous, or because the name might be a popular one at the time the baby is born.
Sometimes we see qualities in people that match the name they have been given; and, sometimes their personalities are the opposite of what their name means.
Listed below are the names of class members; each name has at least one definition. Find your name and read it's definition. Does your name perfectly describe who you are, or is it way off base? (Maybe it is somewhere between…) In any event, your name will be the starting point and centerpiece of your next 2 art activities.
Materials:
Heavy drawing paper (Such as Bristol Board), Drawing Pencils, Rulers
, Construction Paper
, AquaMarkers, Colored Pencils
, Crayons, Scissors
, Prang Watercolor Pan Sets
, White Glue
A Simplified Example...
Steps for Project 1:
1. Using pencils and a ruler, draw a border around the drawing paper.
2. Make a border design of manuscript letters Aa-Zz in your best writing.
3. In the center of the paper write your first name in letters large enough to nearly fill the space inside the border. Make sure that the letters are not like stick figures... give them some thickness and weight!
4. Look at your name's definition. Draw designs around and inside the letters of your name that match your name's meaning.
5. Add design elements that tell more about your personality. Fill as much space around the letters as you can without "hiding" your name.
6. Use color and variety of line thickness and direction to enhance your design.
Use markers, pencils, crayons, paint and more... be creative!
Remember, to make your work outstanding, make your name really stand out.
A Simplified Example...
Steps for Project 2:
1. Using pencils and a ruler, draw a border around the drawing paper. Think fence!
2. Make a design of words/pictures inside the border that describes your "fun" side.
3. Remember to draw designs around and inside that match your name's meaning.
4. Add design elements that tell more about your personality. Fill the space!
5. Use color and variety of line thickness and direction to enhance your design.
• try markers, pencils, crayons, paint and more... be creative!
6. On a second paper write your first middle and or last initial(s) large enough to nearly fill the space inside the border. Make sure that the letters are not like stick figures…give them some thickness and weight! Cut out the letter(s) and set aside.
7. Decorate your name letters with color, Glitter, etc. Curl and fold them to make them stand up and out like a roller coaster track or Frank Gehry (Google him) roof!
8. Using folded paper stands, glue or tape your name letter(s) to your design paper.
Remember, to make your work outstanding, make your name really stand out!
Student Examples for 3-D Name Design
Meaning of Names - from Behind the Name http://www.behindthename.com
Alyssa: Noble and kind; the flower |
Kirsten: see Kristy |
Create a list with meanings of student names in your classes - OR have students look up the meaning of their names on the site.