Cursive Creatures

Make a new name for yourself while having fun with cursive. Design and introduce a clever character created from your name or initials.

• 1.

  Fold a sheet of construction paper in half. On one side of the fold, write your name or initials in large cursive letters with Crayola® Colored Pencils.

• 2.

  Cover your work area with newspaper. Use Crayola Washable Paint and a Crayola Paint Brush to quickly paint over your handwriting. While the paint is still wet, carefully refold and press your paper to make a mirror image. Open your paper. Dry.

• 3.

  Try to imagine an animal taking shape within your print, on either one or both sides of the paper. The animal might be real or imaginary. Draw the creature and its features with Crayola Washable Markers. For a soft effect, such as fur or feathers, use a damp paint brush to blend the colors. Dry.

• 4.

  Introduce yourself to classmates or school visitors by telling about your name and the Cursive Creature you drew with it.

Benefits

• Students practice their cursive writing skills in a large format.
• Children create reversed prints of their names or initials, and then draw an imaginary animals incorporating the shapes of the prints.
• Students improve their confidence in public speaking by using their art to introduce themselves.

Adaptations

• Instead of your name, write a word describing your favorite activity. Design a scene with that activity in the mirror print.
• Exchange a mirror print of your name with a friend, or with someone you just met. Find out more about each other, such as your hobbies and interests. Decorate each other's names with descriptive images and words.
• Draw an outline of yourself. Fill your drawing with cursive letters hidden in the art. Use the letters of your name, your favorite colors, your favorite pet...anything about YOU.