This easy, two-part project is perfect forfirst through thirdgrade students.
After a brief discussion aboutcastles and all the wonderful features they have, I demonstrated a basic castle drawing techniques. We used white oil pastel on black paper to draw the castles.
Then, using a household sponge cut into 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ pieces, children dipped damp sponges into silver metallic tempera paint and created the stones or bricks.
Encourage stamping right off the ends of the paper asthe castleswill be cut out later on (this solves the problem of fitting full sized bricks into small spaces, although you can also use the ends of the sponges). The sponges created an old-world effect that the children loved.
Once dry (usually the end of class one), children cut out their castles and use paper scraps tocreate windows, doorways, flags and banners. I set out a tray of paper scraps, scissors and glue sticks and gave a few directions on how to cut out an arched window (fold paper in half), flags and banners.
The children completed their castles at varying times, so to entertain the children who finished early, I set them to work painting a large sheet of craft paper to act as the backdrop for the castles.They really enjoyed the freedom to create their own signature castle.
Second Grade Castles…
What do you think?
January 5, 2012 at 11:55 am
I so love this! My boys are a bit too young but I organize a local children’s art group, and I think some of the older kids would love this!
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Heather
January 5, 2012 at 5:58 pm
love it!
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January 5, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Patty,
You took something that could get complicated and made it accessible for 2nd graders. These look awesome! I love sponge painting cuz the texture is so fun.
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Patty
January 6, 2012 at 4:58 am
These are adorable! Can’t wait to try them with my 1st graders when we do our fairy tale unit. Thanks for all of the great ideas.
Kelli
January 6, 2012 at 5:20 am
What a great project! This is something I can do with both my children(5&8) which is not always easy to find, but much easier on me to coordinate.
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January 9, 2012 at 5:51 am
Knights and Castles and things to make and do is a great resource! I found this book last year at my local library and used many ideas to inspire a whole unit on Knights and Castles to team up with my music teacher and the 5th grade play. Thanks for sharing your great lessons!
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January 9, 2012 at 10:34 am
These are fantastic- the contrast of the silver paint on the black paper is striking and very effective for a castle. Can I ask what brand of black paper you use? I find it’s so difficult to find a really rich black paper as opposed to dark grey which most ‘black’ construction paper ends up being, in my experience.
Thanks for sharing!Reply
Patty
January 9, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Hi Julie, I use Dick Blick or Sax sulphite drawing paper. The black is most definitely black!
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Sandra
January 15, 2012 at 8:01 am
Hi Patty,
tried this lesson with P.3/4 (age 7-8) here in Scotland, was a great success
have you ever done clay castles?? Looking for tips.
SReply
Patty
January 15, 2012 at 9:08 am
It’s funny you ask! I’m planning on trying some type of castle with my 5th graders. I’m not sure how it’ll work but I’ll be sure to post! Glad the castles worked for you. Just Love Scotland by the way. Drove all around 10 years ago. Loved the Island of Skye.
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April 20, 2012 at 11:29 am
Hi Patty,
I just started this project with my 2nd graders and am so happy with the results. Thanks for the great inspiration. I will make sure to link back to you if I post about it on my blog 🙂
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rosemary crespo storelee
May 9, 2012 at 9:58 pm
I just LOOOOOOve this site!! Thank you volumes for being!
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Alissa
July 25, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I love your site! The castle idea is awesome and I will try it out with my younger students.
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Theresa
January 24, 2016 at 3:35 pm
I have a lot of boys in my class that will love this one! Thanks!
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Claire
February 5, 2018 at 2:42 am
What a fab art activity! I’m going to do this with my P2 class as our topic is Scottish Castles this term. Thank you!
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Barbara
November 11, 2018 at 11:06 am
How wonderful! I´m going to combine this with our “reading day” November 16th and fairy tale reading, writing, …
ThnxReply
Rhonda
March 20, 2022 at 6:54 pm
I would like to try this idea with older kids, but use printmaking. Any suggestions or lessons you’ve done with older students, doing castles?
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Rae ann Reed
May 27, 2022 at 5:07 pm
We did this project for art..the kids loved it…they turned out so well. I love the variety of castles the students create.
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anna nightingale
September 15, 2023 at 12:52 am
what a wonderful idea!
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