Nutcracker

Title of Lesson:  Nutcracker

Grade: 6th Grade ONLY!

Reason for Lesson:  In the spirit of the season, the students each created a Nutcracker. This lesson is about lines, measurement and proportion.  

Class Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Prep for Lesson: Do some research on the history of the Nutcracker. Pre-cut 12 x 18 paper in half, lengthwise. 

Materials:  6 x 18 paper, ruler, pencil, eraser, black sharpie, oil pastels and scissors. Nutcrackers to display in class.

Instructions to Lead Lesson: 

Discuss the history of the Nutcracker.  See link provided for history of the Nutcracker http://www.magicofnutcrackers.com/Nutcrackers/HistoryofNutcrackers.htm

Discuss the shape of the nutcracker.  It's distinct lines, vertical and horizontal. 

Start by folding the 6x18 paper in half.

Fold the first 1/2 to the middle. Do this on each side.

Fold each end to the first fold. Do this on both sides.

Fold paper in half,  lengthwise. 

This creates our 'invisible' lines/proportions to create our Nutcracker.  

Have the students create the 'structure' of the Nutcracker using their pencil and ruler (see below). 

The 1st top portion will be the HAT

(Discuss and look at different types of hats for Nutcrackers)

Second portion/space down will be the FACE

(Look at different features of the face: eyes, nose (block), eyebrows, mustache (draw parenthesis to get started), mouth (block style, square, rectangle, etc) )

First larger section will be the BODY

(determine width of body and width of arms)

Below the body (second larger section and smaller section) will be the LEGS

The bottom will be the STAND with the DATE

After the Students have created the 'structure' of their Nutcracker have them add the details.  Buttons/tassels on the coat, decor to the hat, beard, hair, buckle, year on the stand, decor to the boots, etc. 

Have a display of Nutcrackers in the class room for the students to look at for ideas. 

Instruct the students to use a ruler, pencil and eraser to create the Nutcracker. 

When they are happy with their design they will use a sharpie to trace over the pencil lines. 

Using OIL PASTELS, color in the Nutcracker. 

Using Scissors cut out the Nutcracker.

Have the students mount the Nutcracker and sign their autograph!