T Stands for Illuminated Initials with Middle Schoolers

Another call from WAM  to teach middle schoolers (4th grade, 9 - 10 yrs old) illuminated initials this month. It is my subject so I raised my hand. We'll start with my ticket to the T party, my water bottle.

Before class, I hastily drew some examples to illustrate the steps to creating an illuminated initial. The project was to make a bookmark. We talked about letters having decorations or telling a story. And all this time of drawing Ink on the letter C, I just realized I have a new monogram, but I digress.

The kids were having a field trip day and had spent the morning in the Medieval galleries looking at the art and trying on piece of armor.

They were energetic, enthusiastic, listened to directions, and asked questions. I had brought in the House Blessing to show how real gold was used. They were very excited about the gold and disappointed to learn they had to pretend the gold and silver markers were real gold and silver.

"How come we can't use real gold?"

I thought of answering like Ms. Trumball from Matilda, "It's too good for children", but settled with "It's too expensive."

There were a dozen kids in the class and some of them gave me permission to show their work.

Some of their designs were very detailed

This little dude was all about the bling

This little dude decided to make 3 D letters and he asked for help to make the vine. I showed him on scrap paper how to make the vine go under, around, and over the letter. He did a great job.

This little dudette worked on both sides of her bookmark.

One class down and four more classes to go next week.

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.