Crumpling paper is a curriculum requirement for preschool and kindergarten art classes in Escambia County. This Valentine decoration uses crumpling and tearing to help students develop fine motor skills. To make the decoration, you will need:
- Copies of a large heart shape on stiff paper
- Red, pink and white tissue or crepe paper streamers
- White glue
A color’s value is defined by how pure the color is. Colors can be mixed with black or white to make tints and shades of that color. Dark shades are made by mixing a color with black. A shade is darker, like the colors in the shade of a tree are darker than the colors out in the sunshine. A tint is made by mixing a color with white. Pink is a tint of red. The more white that is added to the red, the lighter the tint of pink will be.
Cut red, white and pink, in a variety of shades and tints into two inch strips. Crepe paper streamers used for birthday parties can also be used or recycled for this project.
Paper tends to tear more easily in one direction that the other. This has to do with the way paper is manufactured. The pulp is compressed by rollers that align the pulp in the direction that it is being rolled. When cutting the strips, make sure that the paper is cut across the direction that is hard to tear. This will make it easier for the students to be successful. Crepe paper is harder to tear than tissue paper, and is more appropriate for older classes.
Instruct the students to tear the paper into two inch squares. They do not need to use a ruler. The tears should be as straight as they can make them, but it’s ok if it is a bit uneven. Sort the squares into tints and shades, from darker to lighter. Begin with the darker colors. Crumple a square into a ball. It will have the same texture as a carnation or one of the flowers in the picture. Glue a row or two of this color around the outside edge of the heart shape. Choose the next lighter color and repeat the process inside this row. Continue working towards the center until the area is filled and the colors go from dark to white.
Sunshine State Standards:
VA.A.1.1.3 distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques, processes and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Assessment:
- The student demonstrated an understanding of tints and shades by sorting the colors from dark to light.
- The student tore the paper as straight as expected for their grade level and physical limitations.
- The student crumpled the paper into balls as demonstrated by the teacher.
(c) Paula Hrbacek
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