This activity I feel can be completed in any situation, whether it be the elementary classroom, summer camp (as I have done) or art class. The use of art to create should be taken advantage of no matter what the situation because it's fun, motivating, and children learn to be more creative. Creativity is a huge in any field, from advertising to teaching, to writing, to art and drama and the problem with traditional programs is that they stifle student creativity.I I have seen at the fifth grade level that this does not translate to being a good thing. Imagination is the hallmark of creativity and to think that many classrooms do not inspire children to imagine or create is scary. What is a child reduced to without a creative mind? Consider the store manager who figures out a more efficient means of running his store, or the janitor who finds more efficient and creative ways to clean his building? Creativity has its place in any workplace.
So, let's get back to the activity. It's all art. Provide groups of three students with a white corrugated or rolled piece of paper about six feet by three feet. On each piece place a large splotch of the three primary colors, red, yellow and blue. Spread each splotch of paint out so they are not touching.
Provide each student with a straw and instruct them to use the straw as an art tool. Have them blow through the straw, thus spreading the paint over the surface of the poster paper. Tell them to force the paint toward the other colors as part of their creation. As they do so, the colors will intersect and create secondary colors.
As they proceed, the colors will spread out, mix, and the end result is a poster that will highlight a variety of rainbow colors, which makes for a great display. The teacher can follow-up with a discussion of the various colors and how they were made. This discussion can include the introduction of primary and secondary colors.
Kids at play, or is it work? What's the difference with this activity? This activity idea is courtesy of James Sonnenberg and Allen Windsor's Cooperative Learning Think and Problem Solving.