Line Drawing Part III: Name Designs

Here is another popular line drawing lesson that I do with my fourth grade students. It's a play on their name. This lesson teaches how to make block letters and to think a bit outside the box.
Again, like other the other line drawings in earlier posts, I tend to start the year off with this type of lesson. It's simple, requires little prep and the kids love it. Plus, it helps in learning names!

After I show the kids a sample, there is always one student who points out that their name is too short. I mean, what can you do with "Sam" or "Amy"? Lots, I say. It doesn't matter how many letters the students use (first name, last name, both), layering and toppling the letters in a random, creative way is what its all about.
I suggest using all capital letters, as their are less round shapes, but that can be decided by the students.


Step One: Start with the first letter of your name and place it on the bottom of the page in a block letter format. This letter becomes the "foundation" of the pile.
Then, begin adding the other letters, not necessarily in spelling order, around, behind, in front and on top of the first letter. To help with flow, tell the children to turn their papers around.

Step Two: After the letters are piled high (repeating letters is encouraged!), fill in the spaces with patterns. It helps to have some sample patterns on the board to kick-start creativity.

Step Three: Once the patterns are filled in, bring out the markers and let the children color in the letters. No color rules here: whatever color they chose is fantastic!