Designing Families

Art

Students will design a tee shirt that depicts some aspect of their family history.

Explain to students how in medieval times, many families were identified by shields or coats of arms. Often these symbols of heraldry represented a family's surname, history, occupation, or traditions. Show samples of coats of arms and discuss how the symbols identified individual families.
Tell the students that today people often wear tee shirts to show their "history" (places they have been), "occupations" (work, sports, hobbies), or "traditions" (causes, concerns, or commitments). Show some examples of tee shirts including one with a sports-related theme, an event tee shirt, or one with a catchy phrase.
Discuss what makes tee shirts appealing. (art, color, lettering, creative use of language, humor, symbolism, etc.)
Have a brainstorming session to help students come up with ideas for their own family tee shirt. To help them get started, tell them they may use any of the following suggestions:
- a memorable family event or yearly family tradition
- a shared family "occupation"
- family members (Don't forget the pet!)
- a slogan or phrase that typifies the family
Have the students design a front and back using the newsprint for a preliminary sketch. Then have them show the sketch to a partner to be sure their idea has been clearly depicted.
Have students draw their final design on their tee shirts using fabric markers. To share, students can hang the shirts on a clothesline around the room and tell the class about their designs.

If actual tee shirts are not readily available, students may trace and cut a tee shirt form from oaktag or poster board.
Students can have a tee shirt contest. Awards may be given for the funniest, the most original, most artistic, and the most creative use of language, etc.
In keeping with the theme of family, students may design a tee shirt for another family member.