Where's the Action?

Where's the Action? lesson plan

Make a paper template of your body to pose in different actions, then trace it for an action scene.

  • 1.

    Draw your figure on oak tag. Use Crayola® Scissors to cut apart your completed figure at shoulder, elbow, waist, head, leg joint at hip, and knee. Keep pieces (which will be used over time) in an envelope with your name on it.

  • 2.

    Use small masking tape pieces to reattach body segments in a position that indicates a beginning action of your activity's sequence. Tape the figure down on white paper with more small masking tape pieces, trace around it with a Crayola Erasable Colored Pencil, then remove it.

  • 3.

    Reposition the figure in a more advanced position in the action sequence, and trace it again. Repeat to create 3-7 figures which represent a complete action sequence. Add outlines of clothes and accessories, or create these separately.

  • 4.

    Use markers to apply colored patterns to the figures which emphasize their actions. Cut out these figures after patterns have been added.

  • 5.

    Apply tempera paint to a large background paper in patterns which indicate the paths of movement your activity requires. Choose colors that will enhance the figures. Paint can be applied with brushes, sponges and other atypical tools. Allow paint to dry.

  • 6.

    Use Crayola School Glue to apply the figures to the backgrounds.

Benefits

  • Students use their own figure in studies that show sequential action during their favorite sport or activity.

Adaptations

  • Warm up by drawing other students in action poses. Develop sensitivity to body proportions as you complete a contour (outline) drawing of a body that represents you.
  • Make your Where's the Action artwork pop out by attaching figures to the background on elevated pedestals. Make several small elevated pedestals for each figure by cutting thick cardboard into small squares or by layering small squares of thin cardboard