Artist Trading Cards have been the theme for this school year. I wanted each student to know what a ATC was by June 2011. Kindergarten students recently completed their trade. They traded with their parents/or caregiver. Every student made several cards and picked the best one to be put into an envelope and sent home. I then gave the parent homework...
I sent home a letter explaining what a ATC is and provided a 2 ½ X 3 ½ inch card stock for the parents to make and send back to their child. If you want to see the letter I sent home click here. The art the parents sent was perfect. Each card told their child how much they loved them. The kids were excited and I found it a great way to 'get to know' these kids better. I got to see what is important to their child, through their parents eyes. Here are a couple of examples of parent work.
This was a hit! The kids loved opening up their ATC and looking at it. They loved sharing it. I heard more then once how their parent is the best artist in the world. It was a special day with lots of love and smiles. Thank you to all Kindergarten parents who participated!
PS. I know that if you are an educator reading this you are wondering what I did with the handful of kids who did not get a card sent back. I made about 20 cards with a special saying on them. We had the art turned back on the 9th so it gave me time to get a card ready for anyone who needed on. Even the kids that got a card from me were totally excited.
That's such a nice project! I'm left wondering if middle school parents would be as excited to participate as kindergarten ones... !
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity for parent to share art with their kids!! Bravo to you!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely adorable idea!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a very fun idea and great way to connect with families. jan
ReplyDeleteThe childrens ATC are gorgeous. ATC are virtually unheard of here but it might be something to start doing :)
ReplyDeleteOh! brought a tear to my eye! What a perfect idea to coincide with Valentine's day.. I might try this at the beginning of next year.. or have Art stations at our open-house for the kids and parents to make them right there and then. I had a kindie-teacher-friend who used to have messages from the parents up in her class for the whole year, so if a child was feeling a little sad, they could see their message from mom/dad, etc.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for all the comments. It was a success!
ReplyDeleteShar- I see that you have lived all over the world. How wonderful! ATC are not known here at all but that is why I brought it to my school. It is a great social art project that the kids could continue forever.
Do u use themes when u do artist trading cards?
ReplyDeleteSometimes... This one was a Valentine ATC with parents. Sometimes I cover a concept. Other times a medium or process. The great thing about ATC it great process without a lot of materials!
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