Oh the Faces iMake with 3rd Graders!

Today I introduced the iPad to my 3rd graders at one of my schools. I've been attempting to get funding for iPads to use with my Art students - so far no luck. There are a couple of grants coming up that may help me out - but until then I will use my own iPad with as many students as I can.

I tend to do a lot of portraits with my students this time of year. Each grade usually does a portrait or self-portrait in a different style or medium. I thought the Faces iMake app would be great to use with my third grade classes. I showed the students the app using the document camera so they would know how to use it. I also gave some basic instructions on how to use the iPad. I was surprised at the number of my students who had never had the opportunity to use an iPad - but I was happy to be able to give them that opportunity. I explained that each group of students would be creating a portrait together using the app. Kagan cooperative learning is a big initiative in our district so this fit right in!

After showing them the Faces iMake app, we discussed how we could use the same collage technique in a traditional way. I gave them instructions on choosing a paper for a face shape of their choice. This could be cut out in a realistic style or an abstract style. They then had access to a bunch of magazines that they could cut from to create the features on the face.

Students started on these works of art and I chose one table of students to begin with using the iPad. The entire class was very motivated during the art time. I made it very clear that only students that showed they were responsible and respectful would be able to use the iPad.

Because I had a lot of demonstrating to do during this class period, not too many groups got a chance to use the iPad today. They were all excited with the project and were not happy when I called clean up time!

Here are a couple of the paper face collages in progress -