Follow My
Compass
Depending on the age of the students, have students trace and cut their hand on any colour construction paper.
Don't offer paint because the look is meant to be more delicate and detailed. Instead, offer metallic markers for those finer details.
This is when students can get creative. Offer beads, sequins and glitter and see how they choose to decorate their good luck charms.
Depending on the age of the students, have students trace and cut their hand on any colour construction paper.
This lesson can be modified for any age. Australian Aboriginal Dot Art.
Create your own stencils. Print simple Australian animals shapes (I made snakes, lizards and kangaroos) out of cardboard. Have students trace out the shape on light coloured cardstock.
I supplied studies with some samples of real Aboriginal work for inspiration.
This lesson can be modified for any age. Australian Aboriginal Dot Art.
Ndebele Dolls
This project is fun and allows for a lot of the students' personality to show through. It was part of a bigger lesson about South Africa. These dolls were inspired by one of South Africa's smallest tribes, the Ndebele. They are known for their brightly painted homes and for their colourful clothing and beadwork. The dolls are part of their courtship tradition and are now a popular tourist souvenir and a major source of income for the women.
Hamsa Hand
The Hamsa hand is a protective symbol popular around the world, especially in the Middle East. When the fingers are spread apart it is warding off evil an when the fingers are close together it is bringing in good luck. This activity is great for all ages, with older students filling in the charm with more details. I hung these around the class and after they were sent home many students told me they hung them in their homes to protect their families. I went to Turkey after this lesson and when I was in the spice market in Istanbul I saw a beautiful silver Hamsa charm, which I of course had to buy. Whenever I wear it, previous students of mine who participated in this activity always make a comment!
Australian Aboriginal
Dot Art
I have done this lesson in multiple countries and school boards with a variety of ages and it is one of my favourites! I begin by discussing Australia's Aboriginal people and discuss their history, culture and traditions. I show real world examples of dot art for inspiration. I have stencils I have made of Australian animals and students trace them and create designs, paint their work and once it is dry go over it with white or gold paint and a Q-tip and cover it in dots. I have boomerang templates and Aboriginal symbols for them to work on while their art dries all while a cd of the didgeridoo plays in the background.
South African dolls
Everything was put together with white glue
Pre-cut fabric squares in a variety of colours and patterns. Students can then wrap fabric around toilet paper rolls and secure it with white glue. These dolls do not need to have arms or legs.
South African dolls
Art Projects
South African rock art was created by the San Tribe thousands of years ago.
The medicine man would share his experience with the spirit world with his community by painting on rocks. Other rock art tells how the San hunted and gathered their food.
Supply real world examples and then I like to have some stencils or samples for students to use if they are nervous when it comes to art.
South African rock art was created by the San Tribe thousands of years ago.
Rock Art
South Africa is home to some of the oldest rock art in the world. Rock art was made thousands of years ago in caves with sticks, fingers and feathers using natural resources as paint. Our version of rock art was made on sandpaper with crayons. A quick and easy activity that can be accompanied with lessons about the San Tribe and how stories are passed along throughout time and the various ways stories are told and presented.