Help support Ms. Harrison's Classroom

Visual culture is everywhere--in print, on TV, in video games, music videos, and on websites. Teaching our students to think critically about the images they see in these areas makes them smarter consumers and more aware of how images in our world can affect their attitudes and perceptions. Symbols are especially important communicators, and students encounter dozens of them everyday. Understanding symbols and how they are created involves critical thinking and is a form of visual literacy. This project shows students different types of symbols and allows them to investigate what makes a symbol an effective communicator. They are required to design a "personal" symbol that communicates ideas about themselves and use it in three different types of art--printmaking, patterned design, and clay. They will use the Speedball gel plates to create a layered montage of prints that allow them to incorporate colors into their symbols' designs. The soft rubber brayers are for applying acrylic paint to the gel plates and can be used in other projects as well. The gel plates used for monotype printmaking are superior to plexiglass or styrofoam plates because they are so easily cleaned, are compatible with paint we already have (instead of requiring additional printmaking ink), and they are reusable and durable. Gel printing plates are a relatively new art material and are likely something my students have never tried before.

About my class

Visual culture is everywhere--in print, on TV, in video games, music videos, and on websites. Teaching our students to think critically about the images they see in these areas makes them smarter consumers and more aware of how images in our world can affect their attitudes and perceptions. Symbols are especially important communicators, and students encounter dozens of them everyday. Understanding symbols and how they are created involves critical thinking and is a form of visual literacy. This project shows students different types of symbols and allows them to investigate what makes a symbol an effective communicator. They are required to design a "personal" symbol that communicates ideas about themselves and use it in three different types of art--printmaking, patterned design, and clay. They will use the Speedball gel plates to create a layered montage of prints that allow them to incorporate colors into their symbols' designs. The soft rubber brayers are for applying acrylic paint to the gel plates and can be used in other projects as well. The gel plates used for monotype printmaking are superior to plexiglass or styrofoam plates because they are so easily cleaned, are compatible with paint we already have (instead of requiring additional printmaking ink), and they are reusable and durable. Gel printing plates are a relatively new art material and are likely something my students have never tried before.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

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Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Harrison's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Harrison's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Ms. Harrison's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.