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Submitted by: Michael Gerrish
UNIT: Design - 2-D and 3-D - Identity
Lesson: Name design - 2-D and 3-D
Grade Level: Elementary through middle school

What's Behind Your Name?      
                                                 
Frank Gehry architecture

Names have meaning. Parents choose names for a variety of reasons: to honor family members, remember someone from their past or someone who is famous, or because the name might be a popular one at the time the baby is born.

Sometimes we see qualities in people that match the name they have been given; and, sometimes their personalities are the opposite of what their name means.

Listed below are the names of class members; each name has at least one definition. Find your name and read it's definition. Does your name perfectly describe who you are, or is it way off base? (Maybe it is somewhere between…) In any event, your name will be the starting point and centerpiece of your next 2 art activities.  

Materials:

Heavy drawing paper, pencil, ruler, construction paper, markers, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, watercolors, glue

Steps for Project 1:

1. Using pencils and a ruler, draw a border around the drawing paper.

2. Make a border design of manuscript letters Aa-Zz in your best writing.

3. In the center of the paper write your first name in letters large enough to nearly  fill the
    space inside the border.  Make sure that the letters are not like stick  
    figures…give them some thickness and weight!

4. Look at your name's definition. Draw designs around and inside the letters of
    your name that match your name's meaning.

5. Add design elements that tell more about your personality. Fill as much space
    around the letters as you can without "hiding" your name.

6. Use color and variety of line thickness and direction to enhance your design. 
                   • use markers, pencils, crayons, paint and more…be creative!

Remember, to make your work outstanding, make your name really stand out!

A Simplified Example…

Mike

 

 

 

 

Steps for Project 2:

1. Using pencils and a ruler, draw a border around the drawing paper. Think fence!

2. Make a design of words/pictures inside the border that describes your "fun" side.

3. Remember to draw designs around and inside that match your name's meaning.

4. Add design elements that tell more about your personality. Fill the space!
5. Use color and variety of line thickness and direction to enhance your design. 
                   • try markers, pencils, crayons, paint and more…be creative!

6. On a second paper write your first middle and or last initial(s) large enough to nearly fill the space inside the border.  Make sure that the letters are not like stick figures…give them some thickness and weight! Cut out the letter(s) and set aside.

7. Decorate your name letters with color, glitter, etc. Curl and fold them to make them stand up and out like a roller coaster track or Frank Gehry (Google him) roof!

8. Using folded paper stands, glue or tape your name letter(s) to your design paper.

Remember, to make your work outstanding, make your name really stand out!

A Simplified Example…  

g 

 

 

 

 

Student Examples for 3-D Name Design


click images for larger views

Meaning of Names - from Behind the Name http://www.behindthename.com

Alyssa: Noble and kind; the flower                                         Kirsten: see Kristy
Amber: Orange yellow; amber                                               Kenyatta: Innocent
Amanda: Lovable                                                                     Kristy: Christian; a queen's name Ashley: Meadow; clearing in the woods                                Lakiesha: Favorite
Becky: A snare or trap; a catch                                              Maria: Beloved
Casey: Vigilant; shining upon mankind                                 Marlaina: Beloved and beautiful ChrisDe: see Kristy                                                                 Melissa: Bee
Christine: see Kristy                                                                Melody: To sing a song
Dawn: Sunrise                                                                          Nicole: Victory of the people Frank: Honest; a leader or king                                             Sadie: see Sara(h)
Heather: Pink and white flowers; beauty found amidst rocky soil            Samantha: Listener Jami: One who holds or replaces                                          Sara(h): Lady; princess
Jessica: Gift; God sees                                                          Tasha: Giver; Christmas day Katie: Both; pure; holy; torture                                                Tina: see Kristy
Kayla: Pure; wise child 

Create a list with meanings of student names in your classes - OR have students look up the meaning of their names on the site                                                  

[ELEMENTARY LESSON PLANS]

 

 

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