November: Repetitions!

Art researchers have outlined six principles (some say seven) of design as a guide for designers in creating good design and works of art. The six principles are: balance, proximity, alignment, contrast, space and repetition.

Today, the class focused on repetition; which referred to one object or shape being repeated. The class started with a brief input on the theme. For better understanding, repetative patterns on scarves and shawls were shown as examples.

Today's task required our students to create their own repetitive patterns. They were taught to create stencils of their own/ preferred shape.

Learning outcome: Principles of design, pattern and stencil making, creativity

November – My Planet!

Today our bugs soared above and beyond - the Solar System! The class was introduced to the sun and the eight planets in our solar system. The activity emphasised on how the shapes, sizes and colours of the planets varied. To get a better understanding of this subject, the first activity was to colour the planets according to the template given. Next, the bugs were tasked to design their own planet with shape, size and colour of their choice. Once finished, they have to name the planet and explain the rationale behind their design decision.

Learning outcome: Introduction to the Solar System, creative thinking skills and encouraging students to consider design rationales

November - Dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs first appeared between 247 and 240 million years ago. They ruled the Earth for around 175 million years until their extinction circa 65.5 million years ago. Despite this, dinosaurs are still a popular subject and still linger in our imagination.

After a brief introduction of the subject, today we asked our students to explore their creativity by creating their own dinosaurs! Our Bugs came up with their versions of dinos; some with long necks, three eyes, sharp teeth, short tails and many more!

Next, they had to name them (to name a few; Pinkysaurus, Totosaurus, Imosaurus etc) and create a model of their dinosaur using balloons and paper. Creating a name for their dinosaur was meant to create an emotional connection between the ‘designer’ and its creation. Our young designers were also tasked to breathe life into their designs by making actual models of their creations. Today's activity promotes 3 dimensional awareness and a great sense of achievement!

Learning outcome: learning the basics of dinosaurs, character design, imagination play and transferring idea on paper to physical models.

November - Building & Construction

Research finds children six to twelve can be very ingenious and creative builders. Building with blocks, boxes and other miscellaneous household items presents a fun and fluid form of creativity that exudes the pleasure of seeing a three-dimensional structure emerge quickly.

With little guidance, today’s project required our bugs to build their own 3D model playground from an assortment of recycled boxes. They were given the freedom to use and explore all available materials from the class; from boards, scissors, masking tape, glue to strings. This activity encouraged the freewheeling style of construction creativity, problem solving techniques (e.g. using additional board to make the slide stand), familiarising with cutting tools and most importantly, a sense of achievement and pleasure in accomplishing a building construction. The simple goal assigned to them was learning to work with recyclables - the process being more important than the end product.

Learning outcome: Freewheeling construction activity, problem solving techniques and promotes recycling activity.

October – My Board Game

There is nothing more satisfying than playing a game created and designed by yourself!

Today our bugs created their very own board game; based on the classic ‘snake & ladder’. Before putting their ideas on the drawing board, our young designers went through the process of understanding the rules and its gameplay by playing rounds of the original snake & ladder. Next, the task was to design their own board, starting with replacing ‘snakes’ and ‘ladders’ with subjects of their choice; e.g replacing ‘ladders’ with elevators, escalators, rockets or trees.    

Game invention puts children in position of power, as they decide on which game to invent, select needed materials and set up the rules (Castle, 1990).

Learning outcome: Today’s activity provides valuable educational experience such as writing rules and game labels, arithmetic, focusing and creativity.

October: My First Tee Shirt Design

The class today was guided through the motion of personalizing their own tee with their names, and choice touch of art.

Everyone brought in their own tee shirt and was shown how a cut-out template can be fashioned out of an everyday available wax paper. The class worked on creating their own templates of favoured shapes and designs. Next, they were carefully guided through the hot stamped process and followed by sponging on their individual choice of colour.

Voila! An exercise and experience learnt on how to personalize their very own tee shirt!

Learning outcome: Creating stencilled templates, the idea of personalizing, new art and craft material exploration.

October: Henna/ Mehndi Art

Heena or Mehndi has been around for 5,000 years! Originating from Egypt, the art has spread across all continents and has evolved to meet cultures and social environments. In Malaysia, the art form of Henna shows great influence from India with   the artform being used to adorn women’s palms, arms and feet as part of wedding celebrations believably to bring luck and joy to the bride.  Nowadays it is a fashion statement revered by many, cutting across beliefs and backgrounds.

Today, our class discussed and learnt to draw the three traditional motifs in henna art - the Tree, Paisley and Floret. Using the three motifs, the students were asked to mix and decorate the motifs onto their hand prints. Next, our students were asked to create their own motifs; based on their favourite things (to name a few; iron man, pony, princess, maths!) and applied in Henna art form.

Learning outcome: Learning the traditional art of Henna/Mehndi, traditional motifs, creating their very own motifs