TechnoShapes

The art element of line is investigated in this session. Students study the pictures in the Lots of Lines resource, to notice how lines are used to draw shapes, make objects, add detail, show emotion, and tell a story. Using a worksheet, students draw straight, thick, thin, curved, wavy, and jagged lines and then use these skills to complete a picture of an ocean, fence, and house.

Afterwards, students move to the computer to draw another picture. They experiment with the Paintbrush in Realistic and Wacky Paint Modes. Once they are familiar with the new paint tools, they create a picture using different line styles.

A quilt is a great example of the concept of pattern. The Quilts Show, included in the TechnoShapes kindergarten computer lessons, allows students to look for shapes and repetitions of pattern. Afterwards, they use the computer and the Kid Pix Rubber Stamps to design their own patterns. The Teacher Guide offers suggestions for displaying a 'class computer quilt'.

View a Classroom Quilt

The final session of the kindergarten computer lessons begins with the Shape Detective game, in which students pair up to spy and record a variety of shapes in the classroom.

On the computer, students apply their knowledge of the Rubber Stamps tool to find particular shapes. For example, a student chooses the rectangle, then looks for and stamps pictures that illustrate that shape.

Kindergarten students use optional TechnoShapes extension activities to extend their learning.

• My Shape Book: Sort paper shapes.
• Butter Cutout Cookies: Eat a delicious shape!
• Shape Collage: Cut out magazine pictures.
• Paint Lines with String: Pull and paint.
• Cookie Cutter Stamps: Become a decorator.
• Paper Sculpture: Make a 3-D design.