There are so many ways to use our minds and see pictures. Some pictures come from words. Some from music. Some from art. Do you have a favorite way you like to “see” things? Let’s start exploring 😉
Playing with words–Poetry
Have you ever been able to imagine words in your mind? When I read I like to make a movie inside of me and imagine places and people, animals and events. That’s one reason why people say the book is better than the movie–because your version of the story is always better!
Jack Prelutsky is one of my favorite poets. He is a master of words–and he’s pretty funny too. While you read the poem, think of how you “see” this beauty of a bike. Then draw your own bicycle. Your bike doesn’t need the same things Michael’s bike has–sky is the limit. Bring your picture to class and be ready to present your masterpiece.
Michael Built a Bicycle
Michael built a bicycle
unsuitable for speed,
it’s crammed with more accessories
than anyone could need,
there’s an AM-FM radio,
a deck to play cassettes,
a refrigerator-freezer,
and a pair of TV sets.
There are shelves for shirts and sweaters,
there are hangers for his jeans,
a drawer for socks and underwear,
a rack for magazines,
there’s a fishtank and a birdcage
perched upon the handlebars,
a bookcase, and a telescope
to watch the moon and stars.
There’s a telephone, a blender,
and a stove to cook his meals,
there’s a sink to do the dishes
somehow fastened to the wheels,
there’s a portable piano,
and a set of model trains,
and automatic bumbershoot
that opens when it rains.
There’s a desk for typing letters
on his fabulous machine,
a stall for taking showers,
and a broom to keep things clean,
but you’ll never see him ride it,
for it isn’t quite complete,
Michael left no room for pedals,
and there isn’t any seat.
Playing with the Mind–Escher Art
One of my favorite ways to see is through art. I love to make stories of what people are thinking or doing or how a landscape makes me feel. In college I would go and sit in the art museum in front of different paintings and sculptures. They became my friends. When I think of these pieces I feel love, joy, sadness or peace and some are just plain fun!
MC Escher is one of my favorites–because he makes me think. While you look at this drawing pay attention to what you are looking at and how the scene changes. Did you rotate your head? (me too!) How do you think he came up with this picture? Would you want to walk in this picture?
Now it’s time for a little more fun! This art from Escher is called tessellations–and they’re some of my favorites. Let’s make our own.
Here are three different styles of Tessellations you can try. They start simple and get harder–you choose which one you want to do 👍🏼
Trace your shape over and over again until your page is filled–then color it. You can color it solid colors or find a shape inside. Excited to see what you come up with!
Playing with Physical Space–Spaghetti
This is a game you’ll need to play with your family or a group of friends. It’s called “Spaghetti.” Everyone stands in a circle. One person will need to be the “caller,” (they’ll give the prompts). You can start with everyone going into the circle, saying spaghetti, and then walk out. Stay in character the whole time until you’re back to the outside of the circle. This video explains how you do it. You are creating a picture and emotion with your body.
Some words to try–to get you started–you can make up your own too like Holidays or super heroes to start.
😊 Basic Emotions: Happy, Sad, Angry, Excited, Scared, Surprised, Nervous, Calm, Proud, Shy
😄 Big & Expressive: Overjoyed, Furious, Terrified, Shocked, Confused, Frustrated, Disappointed, Brave, Confident, Silly
🤪 Fun & Playful: Goofy, Giggly, Grumpy, Sleepy, Bored, Curious, Sneaky, Jealous, Embarrassed, Hyper
💛 Positive Feelings: Loved, Friendly, Hopeful, Thankful, Peaceful, Proud of a friend, Helpful
🎭 Dramatic / Theatrical: Royal (like a king or queen), Heroic, Evil villain, Opera,
Super spy, Celebrating a big win, Just lost the championship, Found a treasure
🌀 Quick Challenge Round (harder ones!): Relieved, Determined, Lonely, Suspicious, Amazed, Guilty, Annoyed, Inspired
Check List ✔️
- Read Michael’s Bicycle Draw your own Bike–bring it ready to share
- Tessellation video–you choose simple or more complex
- MC Escher tessellation to share
- Play “Spaghetti” with your family
Supply List
- Bicycle Poem
- Cardstock, square (larger will be simpler to do for youngers)
- Drawing paper (2, one for bike and one for tessellation)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Something to color with (mom approved 😉)
