First graders learned how glyphs, like the hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptians or the petroglyphs of early Native Americans, are symbols that convey information without words. After we looked at examples of these, I gave each class the following guidelines...
Body (choose your favorite color)
If your hair
is black, make a square body.
If your hair
is brown, make a triangle body.
If your hair
is blond, make a circle body.
If your hair is red, make an oval body.
Eyes
If you’re a
boy, make one eye.
If you’re a
girl, make three eyes.
Hair
How many
years old you are? Give your monster
that many pieces of hair.
Teeth
What’s your
favorite subject in school? Choose One.
Math…1 tooth
Reading…2 teeth
Science…3 teeth
Mouth
How many
pets are in your house?
1 pet…rectangle mouth
2 pets…oval mouth
More than 2 pets…semi-circle mouth
...and let them get to work with scissors, glue, and construction paper. I love the variety of monsters they created. Hopefully, I can convince the first grade teachers to display them together in the 300 building!