Core Skills Analysis
Art and Design
- Developed skills in visualizing and conceptualizing an object (shield) through drawing and design.
- Practiced translating abstract ideas into concrete visual representations by planning the shield's features.
- Engaged in detailed artistic expression, considering elements such as shape, symmetry, and symbolism.
- Explored personal creativity and design decision-making through explaining the plans behind the shield.
Communication and Critical Thinking
- Articulated reasoning for design choices, enhancing verbal and written explanatory skills.
- Organized thoughts logically to explain plans, strengthening sequencing and clarity in communication.
- Applied problem-solving by considering the practical and aesthetic functions of the shield during design.
- Enhanced ability to reflect on and critique one’s own work and plan, fostering metacognitive skills.
Tips
Encourage the student to extend their learning by exploring historical contexts of shields and heraldry to understand how design conveys meaning and identity. Introduce simple engineering challenges by having them build a physical model using materials such as cardboard or wood to see their 2D designs come into 3D reality. Have the student write a backstory or character profile for the shield’s owner, linking narrative skills with design. Hosting a peer presentation where the student explains their design can build public speaking and collaborative feedback skills.
Book Recommendations
- Heraldry: Understanding and Designing Family Shields by Stephen Slater: A guide that explores the history, symbolism, and design principles behind heraldic shields, perfect for young readers interested in shield design.
- How to Draw Fantastic Fantasy Figures by Karen Horneffer-Ginter: This book offers step-by-step drawing techniques and encourages imaginative design, helping middle school students develop creative art skills.
- The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie: A classic guide to effective communication that can aid young learners in explaining and presenting their projects confidently.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.4: Present claims and findings clearly, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.5: Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Design your own shield with sections for symbolism, color schemes, and pattern explanations.
- Writing prompt: Describe the story or legend behind your shield’s design and what it represents.
- Drawing task: Create an alternate version of your shield with a different theme or cultural influence.
Growth Beyond Academics
The activity likely fostered independence and confidence by encouraging personal creative choices and ownership of ideas. Explaining the design plans may have enhanced the student’s communication skills and promoted pride in their work. This process requires focus and persistence, especially when organizing thoughts clearly to share with others.